Minister for Defence announces opening of €3.2m Multi Sports Facility at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick.

Mr. Simon Coveney T.D., today (6th of May) officially opened a new Gymnasium and Multi Sports facility at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick.

The building represents a significant upgrading of the facilities of Sarsfield Barracks and is one of a suite of new infrastructure projects to be delivered for the 1 Bde as part of the Defence Forces Infrastructure Plan. Other projects for 1 Bde include renovation and construction of two accommodation blocks in Collins Barracks in Co. Cork, and the Upgrade of the USAC Facility, in Renmore in Co. Galway.

The Minister stated “The provision of this new gymnasium and multi-purpose hall will improve the living and working environment for military personnel at Sarsfield Barracks and will be of major benefit in achieving the high standards of physical fitness necessary for the development of military fitness, which is essential to meet the operational requirements of the Defence Forces both at home and overseas”

The new gym will cater for the physical fitness and well-being needs of over 530 Defence Forces personnel stationed here and from the surrounding area.

This new €3.2m facility is an important element of the Defence Forces ongoing capital building programme that is designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members. Having a high quality gymnasium on site will also deliver high quality support to Defence Forces’ health and physical fitness levels.

Minister Coveney acknowledged all those involved in delivering this facility in these challenging times. In particular the Design Team and the Contractor, Martins Construction Ltd, who are a Munster-based company.

ENDS

Note for Editors

• Martins Construction Ltd, based in Ennis, Co. Clare

• €3,164,339.04 Including VAT

The facility will provide the activity spaces for the following compatible sporting activities, together with their safety zones, either in the main sports hall area or in adjacent rooms.

a) Basketball - 1 court to Club standard

b) Gymnastics - 1 practice area (without pits)

c) Indoor soccer - 1 court - Recreational standard

d) Unarmed combat - 1 practice area

e) Trained soldier physical training - 1 practice area

f) Recruit PT (Military skills) - 1 practice area

g) Volleyball - 1 court to Club Standard

h) Cardiovascular machine training - separate activity space

i) Rowing - separate activity space

j) Weight Training - separate activity space

In addition, provision will be made in the construction of the facility for the future installation of a climbing wall.

Apart from meeting training requirements, the sports hall will also provide an indoor location for parades and addresses when weather conditions adverse to outdoor gatherings are encountered.

There are currently 354 Permanent Defence Forces personnel stationed at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick, and 177 Reserve Defence Forces Personnel living in the surrounding area.