Call for former army homes in Kildare to be revamped
Dáil hears there are more than 80 vacant homes at the Curragh Camp, Co Kildare
An Independent TD for Laois has called for “more than 80 vacant homes” at the Curragh Camp, Co Kildare to be renovated and brought back into use.
Deputy Brian Stanley raised the issue as a Parliamentary Question in the Dáil on Thursday, May 7 2026.
Deputy Stanley addressed the Minister for Defence, Deputy Helen McEntee on the matter.
Responding to Deputy Stanley's question, the Minister stated there has been “significant” investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure in recent years.
The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the past five years was approximately €170 million, and for this year alone is close to €70 million, the Minister stated.
In particular, the Minister said, the development of accommodation for new recruits has been “a priority” for the Department.
The Minister pointed out that in terms of existing Defence Forces residential housing stock in the Curragh Camp, 63 of 104 residential units are “uninhabitable.”
None of these properties can be brought up to a habitable standard without “significant work”, she added.
The Minister said: “Consultants were commissioned to assess the condition of the Defence Forces vacant housing stock and its suitability for conversion or refurbishment to provide for additional single living-in accommodation for Defence Forces personnel. That consultancy reported its recommendations on refurbishment projects last year.
“My officials have since engaged with the Defence Forces to have those projects included in the existing infrastructure development programme. I am advised that work is actively under way to prepare the necessary tender documentation, with a view to commencing a procurement process this year.”
Minister McEntee pointed to an extensive programme of investment in accommodation for serving Defence Forces personnel “across all military installations.”
Since January 2020, she said, numerous accommodation projects, at a combined total of approximately €49m, have been completed and have provided a total of 775 beds.
She added: “The Deputy may also wish to know that a steady pipeline of accommodation projects is being progressed. These are expected to significantly increase accommodation capacity in the coming years.”
Deputy Stanley responded: “I take it from the response that there has been some progress. The Minister referred to 63 but my information is that up to 80 properties are in a derelict state. Soldiers are travelling distances to work, and many travel from County Laois. There are also retired soldiers, some of whom, unfortunately, end up in difficult housing situations.
“It is important these properties are put back into use. We cannot have vacant homes of any kind lying empty, given the housing crisis. Has there been liaison with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the issue?”
Deputy Stanley said that while the Minister had outlined various locations, barracks and naval bases, the Curragh was of particular concern.
The situation there, he said, had been going on “for three or four decades”, with houses gradually falling into disuse.
He said: “The Minister outlined a wide range of works across the State but I would like to see a particular focus on the Curragh. The Curragh was the main Army camp over the years. There was a big concentration in Kildare, and many people from County Laois served there. I would like to see that as a particular target.”
Also speaking on the issue, Fianna Fáil Deputy for Kildare South, Seán Ó Fearghail TD, said: “I commend Deputy Stanley on putting down a question on this important matter. I welcome the response from the Minister. I grew up in Kildare at a time when, like many generations before me, the Curragh was a vibrant, living community.
“Unfortunately, in recent decades, the Department of Defence took as its policy the depopulation of the Curragh camp. Worse still, in recent years, we have seen the demolition of many houses in the area, which is completely wrong. I thank the current Taoiseach and former Minister for putting a stop to the demolition of houses. I welcome the Minister, Deputy McEntee's reply today. The commitment to refurbish those houses is very positive.
“I ask her to also look at the Orchard Park 100-house development, where a few houses remain in Army ownership. The intention is to transfer them to the local authority, which is in agreement, but there are still some tenants in those houses who would want to avail of an option to purchase. I ask the Minister to look at that.”
Responding to Deputy Ó Fearghail, the Minister assured that ensuring appropriate accommodation and services for the Defence Forces “is a key part of our overall plan and objectives in the years ahead.”