Erin McGreehan
Ceist:89. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Defence for an update on investment in Aiken Barracks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32716/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 May 2026
Ceisteanna (89)
Freagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for her interest in the development of Aikens Barracks and for the opportunity to discuss the progress that has been made there.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I had the pleasure of officially opening the new Dining Facility at Aikens Barracks on the 29th April. This has replaced the catering infrastructure currently used by Defence Forces military and civilian staff and includes a kitchen, front of house dining facilities and co-located ration storage.
We have also completed as part of the programme, a central heating upgrade and the installation of New Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging points have been delivered to Aiken Barracks.
The following project is in the design stage:
• A full technical refurbishment of Ablution facilities and insulation works to a three-storey accommodation block in the barracks.
The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was approximately €170 million.
This year, the capital allocation stands at €69.5 million for capital investment.
In addition, my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year a devolved budget of €13.5 million was assigned by my Department to the Defence Forces for these tasks. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.