TD calls for refurbishment of derelict military homes in Curragh
Curragh Camp
KILDARE South TD Mark Wall has called on the Government to address a range of issues affecting Defence Forces personnel, including housing, pensions, pay and conditions, while urging the Minister for Defence to expedite the refurbishment of 63 derelict military homes at the Curragh Camp.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Wall said there was "no single issue" facing Defence Forces members, pointing instead to broader concerns around housing, pensions, pay and working conditions.
He asked Minister for Defence Helen McEntee whether she had engaged with representative organisations on the single public service pension scheme and sought an update on discussions.
Deputy Wall welcomed investment in military barracks across the country but argued that the Curragh had been neglected when it came to housing. Referring to a previous parliamentary reply, he noted that there are 63 derelict houses at the camp and called for a commitment to accelerate refurbishment works.
He also raised concerns over ongoing issues at the Curragh in County Kildare, saying local public representatives had yet to receive an update despite a scoping meeting taking place a month ago.
He said: "This is a huge issue for everybody from the area, and it cannot continue."
Responding, Minister Helen McEntee said she intended to meet Defence Forces representative bodies later this summer and would write to them to arrange discussions. She said she had already held preliminary conversations with some organisations and confirmed that her department continued to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure on issues relating to public service pensions and pay.
The Minister said preparations for the next public sector pay agreement were already underway.
On infrastructure, McEntee said a review of Defence Forces infrastructure was nearing completion and would inform the next national capital plan. She said she wanted to see significant investment in the Curragh in the coming years.
"I have no doubt that as part of that the ambition is for the Curragh to be transformed and that there is further investment there," she said.
