New report says downgrading of athlone barracks wont be reversed

A plan for the future of the Defence Forces has indicated that the downgrading of Athlone's Custume Barracks in 2012 will not be reversed.

The Athlone-based Fourth Western Brigade was one of three brigades in the country's Defence Forces until it was abolished in November 2012. The move led to concern being expressed about the future strength of the Army in the town.

The Government's new White Paper - which was published today and sets out a plan for the Defence Forces over the next ten years - has indicated that the 4th Western Brigade will not be returning.

'The re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in 2012 established a revised two brigade Army structure,' the White Paper states.

'The Government are satisfied that this structure represents the most effective and efficient structure within a strength ceiling of 9,500 PDF personnel and that this will remain in place.'

Separately, the White Paper mentions Custume Barracks as one of the facilities which benefited from 'a major upgrading' of its accommodation and training facilities inside the last ten years.

Looking ahead, the report states that a small number amoured logistic vehicles are to be purchased by the Defence Forces for overseas missions.

It added that additional armoured personnel carriers, light tactical armoured vehicles and additional air defence capabilities were 'priorities for the Army' if funding is available to acquire them.

The strength of the Permanent Defence Force is to be maintained at its current level of approximately 9,500 personnel.

PDFORRA, the Association representing soldiers, sailors and aircrew of the Permanent Defence Force, say that the Minister for Defence’s White Paper plans will require significant and consistent investment if it is to achieve its objectives.

Gerry Rooney, the General Secretary of PDFORRA, said: “With the second lowest Defence expenditure in the EU, at 0.5% of GDP, investment in the sector is and, historically, has been very low. The White Paper provides an opportunity to raise Irish Defence Sector spending to a more credible level – and this will be a welcome and important development.”

One of the aspirations mentioned in the White Paper is to increase the number of women serving in the Permanent Defence Force from its current level of just 563 personnel, or 6.1% of the total.

“The White Paper contains a specific proposal to significantly increase the number of women serving in the Defence Forces and PDFORRA looks forward to working with the Minister to address the current gender imbalance. However, this will undoubtedly require a solution to the lower pay levels of entry grade Privates, which has applied since 2013,” said Mr Rooney.