Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris approves development of State-of-the-Art new Headquarters and Training Centre for the Army Ranger Wing (ARW)

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, has today announced funding of €46.3 million for the construction of a State-of-the-Art new Headquarters and Training Centre for the Army Ranger Wing (ARW).

The new facility at the Curragh Camp in County Kildare will begin construction later this year.

The first phase of the project will involve development of a new HQ building, to be following by the development of specifically designed training and operational facilities tailored for the ARW needs.

The delivery of the project is in line with the recommendations from the Commission on Defence Forces.

Further phases of the overall project will see the delivery of accommodation facilities, a gymnasium and office space.

Announcing the €46.3 million investment, the Tánaiste said:

“I’m delighted to announce this significant level of investment in our Army Ranger Wing.

“This speaks to my commitment to ensuring our Defence Force personnel across all services have fit-for-purpose infrastructure to enable them to carry out their duties.

“I look forward to visiting this project upon its completion, which will act as a fitting headquarters and training centre for our ARW personnel.”

The Tánaiste pointed out that “the increase in delivery of new infrastructure for the Defence Forces continues to gather pace with €50 million in 2025 allocated for major capital building projects and over €155 million worth of projects now at advanced stage of development as called for in the Infrastructure Development Plan.”

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lt Gen Seán Clancy added:

“This investment marks an important milestone in the advancement of unique Defence Forces capabilities. Both the training and the operations of the Army Ranger Wing will benefit from this investment and are of huge importance as we move towards the levels of ambition recommended in the Commission on the Defence Forces.

“The unique capability provided by the Army Ranger Wing cannot be mass produced and cannot be created after an emergency has occurred. The benefits of maintaining this capability aren't always evident to the public, but operations like the seizure of the MV Matthew highlight the risks that these personnel can encounter in the performance of their duties."