Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
82. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if she will ensure measures are continued to secure investment in accommodation throughout the Defence Forces; and following on from the positive progress made to date, if she recognises that modern fit-for-purpose accommodation is paramount for recruiting and retaining personal and for the overall welfare of the members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32723/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this matter with me today as it allows me to outline the significant progress made in modernising our infrastructure throughout the Defence Forces. Only recently I have officially opened the refurbished Block 4 accommodation in Haulbowline, also visited the ongoing construction works in Collins Barracks, and last week I officially opened the new Dining Hall in Aikens Barracks.
As Minister for Defence, strengthening capital investment in equipment and infrastructure is a core priority of mine. Under the revised National Development Plan, a total capital allocation of €1.7 billion was secured for the Defence Vote to 2030. This represented an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion. For 2026, the Defence capital allocation increased by €66 million (28%) to €300 million.
Increasing recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence. Significant strides continue to be made on a number of recruitment and retention fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure is illustrative of my commitment to the Defence sector.
The Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston Barracks has been established and will facilitate the induction of up to 900 recruits per annum, when fully operational.
In terms of upgrades to the accommodation, I can advise the Deputy that since the launch of the Infrastructure Development Plan in January 2020, 13 accommodation projects at a combined cost of approximately €49m have been completed, with 775 beds provided across the country:
• Pearse Barracks
• Plunkett Barracks, Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh
• Cathal Brugha Barracks
• Casement Aerodrome
• McKee Barracks
• Haulbowline
• Collins Barracks
• Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny
• USAC, Renmore
• Gormanston
I would also like to highlight my plans for even further investment with priority being placed on accommodation projects across all of our military installations most notably the refurbishment of Block 1, Collins Barracks which is to be completed shortly, the Modular Accommodation Haulbowline and refurbishment of several accommodation buildings in Stephens Barracks, Cathal Brugha Barracks and the Curragh.
Ongoing investment in and delivery of the Defence Forces Infrastructural programme enhances capability, personnel and organisational outcomes and has delivered positive benefits to military installations throughout the country. A number of important ongoing infrastructural projects set to progress significantly in 2026 include the development of the new gymnasiums, dining halls, and the delivery of a new Medical Facility at Casement Aerodrome.
I am sure the Deputy will acknowledge the significant investment and delivery we have made in the area in recent years and I have made it clear to my Department officials and to senior military management that I am ambitious to achieve even more. I am confident we are well placed to continue to deliver for the Defence Forces in the coming months.
