127. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Defence when a decision on a location for the Army headquarters will be made; if Custume Barracks, Athlone, will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42807/26]

Sentiment score: 0.04

I thank the Minister for a comprehensive reply. This is in the context of the record €1.7 billion defence national development plan, which the Government will invest in capital infrastructure for the next five years. It is important that it is got right. We are living in a changed geopolitical situation since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and we will have to live up to our defence obligations not only within our own national context but also within the European Union context. As regards the military history of Athlone, Custume Barracks goes back to 1691. It is geographically strategically located and is well served by railroad and river. I hope it will be considered. It also has access to third level education, namely, Technological University of the Shannon, TUS, so I hope that it will be given full consideration when a decision is made.

Sentiment score: 0.27

I welcome the investment in our defence capability. It has grown by 35% in the past three years and by 11% in the past year. We need to continue to invest to meet our international obligations but also to meet our own obligation as a sovereign nation and to protect our borders and the seas that surround this island. It is extremely important that we be strategic as a small country in the investment we make. It is true that we have lagged behind other countries of similar size in Europe, possibly through complacency because of our position on the edge of Europe, but that has changed now. I welcome the investment but I also hope that full consideration will be given to an Army headquarters in Athlone, which is at the centre of the country, geographically strategically located, with all the services that a headquarters would require.

Sentiment score: 0.35