Tánaiste welcomes record €1.7 billion funding for Defence
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From: Department of Defence
- Published on: 23 July 2025
- Last updated on: 25 July 2025
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has hailed the record increase in capital funding for his department that will ensure the ongoing transformation of Ireland's Defence Forces.
Capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to Defence in the National Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding is an increase of €600 million or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion.
Speaking after the NDP allocations were agreed by the government on Tuesday, the Tánaiste said:
“The dynamic geopolitical landscape, points to an increasingly complex set of challenges for the world, and the need for Ireland to respond.
Tánaiste Simon Harris
“The Programme for Government commits to strengthening Ireland’s defence by increasing investment in our capabilities and thereby safeguarding our people.
Tánaiste Simon Harris
“By making this investment we will ensure the ongoing transformation of our Defence Forces and support the retention of skilled personnel, as well as attracting new personnel.
Tánaiste Simon Harris
“This significant increase reflects the government’s commitment to continue to increase investment in our Defence Forces. It will enable targeted progression on key elements of government commitments within Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report.
Tánaiste Simon Harris
“The revised allocations will assist ongoing efforts at modernising and upgrading Defence equipment and built infrastructure platforms. Capital investment in defence has never been more important to support national resilience and contribute to international peace and security.
Tánaiste Simon Harris
“The increased defence capital funding will continue to be utilised effectively to address long-standing capability gaps, modernise core infrastructure needs and ensure that Ireland continues to deliver on its defence responsibilities and international commitments over the coming years.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris
The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces will, over the coming months, review all strategic equipment and infrastructural priorities to align with the revised 2026-2030 multi-annual capital allocations.