The €4.1m refurbishment and upgrading of the dining hall and cookhouse in Custume Barracks, Athlone, is a major vote of confidence in the barracks, Longford/Westmeath TD and Minister of State, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has said this week.
Minister Moran confirmed that tender submissions have been reviewed, a ‘letter of intent’ has issued to the preferred tenderer and it is expected that the contract signing will take place later this month.
“Works are expected to commence shortly thereafter with a construction programme duration of 12 months and I look forward to seeing this key infrastructural project completed.
“The project is being progressed as part of the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme. The programme is designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. I am delighted that this project has taken the next major step forward and I would like to thank Minister Paul Kehoe for advancing this project and for taking on board my representations in the matter.
The refurbishment and upgrade, when completed, will provide a modern facility for those members of the Defence Forces stationed at Custume Barracks.
“The layout of the refurbished kitchen and ancillary areas will provide a modern facility accommodating all ranks stationed there and will be capable of meeting the demands upon it, while also enabling reduced running costs. It will comply with all relevant food safety and health and safety requirements, while providing a modern dining facility with the upgrade works ensuring the long-term viability of the facility at the barracks,” Minister Moran concluded.
