Tánaiste announces new €5 million investment at Collins Barracks, Cork

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, has today confirmed that the Department of Defence has signed a contract for the upgrade of accommodation at Collins Barracks, Cork at a cost of almost €5 million.

The refurbishment project will provide accommodation for over 20

officers and will complement a recently completed accommodation block for enlisted personnel at the barracks.

Speaking today, the Tánaiste said that

“this development is further evidence of the government’s commitment to invest in modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation for our military personnel in all of our installations. That is reflected in an allocation for capital projects in 2025 of €50 million which, when taken together with the Defence Forces’ building maintenance and delegated minor projects, means that the overall building programme allocation stands at €62.5 million for this year.”

As the existing accommodation block (Block 1) was constructed in around 1806 and substantially repaired following a fire in 1922, substantial refurbishment is now required, consisting of both internal and external building fabric upgrades. Moreover, the block is listed as a building of regional importance in the architectural, historical and social categories on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.

The scope of works will, therefore, include extensive external and internal works, all of which will ensure that the structure and fabric of the building is preserved. In addition, the newly refurbished building will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation block with an improved energy performance and modern active and passive fire protection measures.

Note for Editors:

• The contractor will be Vision Contract Ltd and the contract is valued at €4,948,181.77 (incl. VAT);
• The external works will include reroofing with new high quality natural slate finish on a breathable roofing felt; repair and retention of cast iron rainwater goods; replacement of the existing upvc windows with more appropriate sash windows in timber frames (consistent with the heritage of the building); replacement hydraulic lime render to the external façade; and a new insulated concrete ground floor with dampness/ radon protection;
• The internal works will include complete internal refurbishment to all building elements, with retention of certain historic building elements proposed. The building will be rewired and the existing heating system will be replaced with a highly efficient air to water heat pump system.