Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
159. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an overview of capital and current projects and associated funding for Kilkenny Barracks from 2020 to date; and outline future plans to fund projects, including any planned upgrades at the barracks. [19470/23]
View answerThe Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015. A midterm review of the Plan was recently completed by my Department and the Defence Forces to ensure the Plan continues to reflect current operational requirements.
In respect of Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny the following projects are either completed/ ongoing from 2020 to date at a combined cost of some €4m (VAT incl):
2020
• New Gymnasium/Multi Sports Hall
2021
• Upgrade of Water Network & Telecoms Ducting
• Roofing & Associated Works to Officers Mess Building
2022
• PV Installation Works
• Renovation of H Block Toilets
The future development of Stephens Barracks is prioritised in the Infrastructure Plan for 2022-2027 and in that regard the Deputy may wish to note the following significant capital projects are scheduled for progression to construction in 2023 and 2026 respectively at a combined cost of €5.8m.
• Block C Refurbishment - contract award anticipated shortly.
• New Locker Block Facility
• Upgrade of Accommodation Block
The Deputy may also wish to note that my Department has allocated €10m this year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This devolved budget is a regular feature of the Delegated functions assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. 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.
