The Department of Defence has entered into contracts worth more than €6 million for new naval facilities and the upgrading of two barracks in Westmeath and Kildare.
News of the expenditure comes just days after the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, signed an €8.4 million contract with Bombardier Aerospace for the supply of a new Learjet 45, a light business jet.
Announcing details of the new contracts yesterday, the Minister said they were evidence of the Government's commitment to implementing the modernisation set out in the White Paper on Defence.
"Since 1997 in excess of €150 million has been spent on modernising infrastructure and facilities across the country," he said. "Although the Government must take account of the prevailing economic circumstances and continue its prudent approach to public spending, I aim to ensure that this investment and modernisation programme continues".
Some €2.6 million is to be spent on the construction of new naval technical stores at Haulbowline, Co Cork. The new facility, which is to be built by John Sisk & Sons, will include a warehouse, associated offices and ancillary space.
It is expected to be complete before the end of next year. The new facilities will complement the existing naval base on Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour. Around 970 personnel are based there, along with eight Naval Service fishery protection vessels.
A further €2.2 million is to be spent on upgrading the Curragh Camp, Co Kildare. The project involves the construction of five secure, reinforced concrete storehouses. Associated roads, hard standings and drainage are also included.
The contract has been won by Kildare-based Rohcon Ltd. It is expected to be complete next year.
The Department has also announced a €1.24 million project at Custume Barracks, Athlone, where a new single storey NCOs' mess will be complete in the first half of next year. The contract has been placed with T. Murray & Son Ltd, Athlone.
Recent savings achieved as a result of changes to the way Army deafness claims are handled has freed up funds for expenditure on Army and naval facilities, machinery and weaponry. The savings were achieved after the Department decided to introduce a deadline for the lodgment of claims. Any new claims will now be fought by the State.
As well as the projects announced yesterday and the order for the new jet, the Department has also placed orders for 65 new armoured personnel carriers, two new ships and eight training aircraft for the Air Corps.
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