Improved facilities for Cork defence forces locations

CORK Defence Force locations including Collins Barracks and Haulbowline will see improved facilities following an increased capital budget allocation to the Department of Defence for 2025 and 2026.

According to a Department of Defence spokesperson, the capital budget for 2025 has been increased by €39m to €215m and the 2026 allocation of €220m represented a 25% increase on the allocation for 2024 which was €176m. 

Among the improvements planned for the Cork facilities are a refurbishment of the Block 1 accommodation at Collins Barracks while a raft of projects are planned for Haulbowline, including the dredging at the naval base and improvements in cadet accommodation which will benefit from a fire repair and upgrade. 

An upgrade for the cadets' mess is also envisaged as well as a new gym and improvements to the accommodation in Block 9. 

Tánaiste and Defence Minister Mícheál Martin described the announcement of an increased capital budget as a "clear demonstration of Government's strong commitment to invest in, and , the transformation of our Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force serving at home and overseas, while also responding to increasingly more complex security threats and events".  

The latest capital expenditure allocation will also enable investment in a range of equipment including explosive ordnance disposal equipment, helmets and body armour, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear and night vision equipment.   

It will enable progress in 'critically important' equipment projects such as the development of military radar systems.