Tánaiste and Minister for Defence approves €7.8 million in funding for Naval Service accommodation
- Foilsithe: 15 Nollaig 2023
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Aibreán 2025
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, announced €7.8 million in funding for accommodation for Naval Service personnel today (15 December 2023).
This allocation will fund the complete renovation and return to use of Block 4 at the Naval Headquarters in Haulbowline, Co Cork. The historically important building, which is currently derelict, will be transformed into a modern accommodation block for 74 personnel.
The Tánaiste said:
“This major allocation of funding builds on the substantial investments made to upgrade the Naval Headquarters in recent years and further demonstrates Government’s commitment to improving the Defence Forces’ infrastructure. Once renovated, Block 4 will provide state-of-the-art accommodation facilities for personnel.
“This momentum will continue over the coming years, with further works planned at Haulbowline.”
The works on Block 4 will be carried out by Cumnor Construction Ltd.
Since the launch of the Infrastructure Plan, the following upgrades have been delivered in the Naval base:
- the renovation and return to use of Spencer Jetty
- the successful renovation of Block 8 to accommodation, achieving RIAI award recognition
- the renovation of office accommodation
In addition to what has already been done, the following capital projects are also being prioritised in the coming years to further enhance the Naval base:
- refurbishment of Block 9
- provisions of a new gym
- upgrade of Cadet accommodation and mess buildings
These projects have a combined value of €38 million and will radically overhaul both the built environment and working conditions for the men and women of the Naval Service.
This year, the Tánaiste also secured further improvements to working conditions for Naval personnel, including the doubling the Patrol Duty Allowance and the extension of the naval personnel tax credit for a further year.