Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
395. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on his Department’s input to the feasibility study currently being undertaken on the future use of Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin; when this study will be published; and the engagement his Department has had with the Land Development Agency and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this issue. [6429/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has secured funding, under the Housing For All implementation fund, to engage consultants to carry out a cost-benefit analysis and feasibility study in relation to the viability of relocating Cathal Brugha Barracks to another city centre location or location on the outskirts of Dublin City.
It should be noted that this is an exploratory exercise, the purpose of which is to allow for the identification of all the implications and practicalities of such a possible relocation. The completion of the study will facilitate an informed debate on the feasibility, costs and indeed the practicality of a relocation of DF operations from Cathal Brugha Barracks.
My Department, together with the Defence Forces, is now developing a tender proposal and will go to the market in the coming weeks. This study will compromise three fundamental aspects :
- Consideration of Whole Life Cycle Costs and Benefits– including new land acquisition costs and provision of a new build Barracks;
- Assessment of the operational and security implications and risks associated with a relocation;
- Determination as to the feasibility of relocating incorporating internal comparators as to how other States manage the threats & risks to their capital infrastructure.
This project should take some 9 to 12 months to complete and all relevant Stakeholders will be briefed as this project progress.
