Tánaiste announces multi-million euro investment in Cork's Collins Barracks

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has announced that the Department of Defence has signed a contract for the upgrade of accommodation at Collins Barracks in Cork at a cost of almost €5m.

The refurbishment project will provide accommodation for over 20 officers and will also complement a recently completed accommodation block for enlisted personnel at the barracks.

Speaking this morning the Tánaiste said: “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 €50m which, when taken together with the Defence Forces’ building maintenance and delegated minor projects, means that the overall building programme allocation stands at €62.5m for this year.” 

The block (Block 1) 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 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 , modern active and passive fire protection measures.