Hundreds of Defence Forces members forced to live in Cork military bases due to high rents

A record number of Defence Forces personnel are living in Cork’s two military installations, unable to afford rents in the city.

More than 500 personnel are living at Collins Barracks in the city and at the navy base in Haulbowline, according to figures released by Helen McEntee, the defence minister, via a Dáil question to Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide.

Mr Quaide described that as “a very significant number” and suggested that many soldiers and sailors may be relying on barrack accommodation because of the cost of renting.

Mr Quaide said: “That should seriously concern the Government. People serving in the Defence Forces should not be left in a position where living in a barracks becomes the only realistic way to keep a roof over their heads.

“Barracks accommodation has an important operational role, but it should not become a substitute for tackling the wider cost-of-living and housing pressures bearing down on our military personnel and their families,” he said.

Ms McEntee pointed to completed projects since 2020, including an accommodation block in Collins Barracks and refurbishment works at a Victorian-era block in Haulbowline. These resulted in 185 new beds at a cost of €16.8m.

Mr Quaide said: “Further, similar accommodation-enhancing projects are in train at both installations, and that investment is needed. But it also underlines the scale of the pressure. 

"This is not just an infrastructure issue. It is a cost-of-living issue, a housing issue, and a retention issue and at the centre of it are serving personnel who deserve far better.”

Incentives

However, there are incentives for young people to live in military accommodation and it is in short supply at some other barracks around the country.

The Echo understands that depending on rank and pay, young soldiers and sailors are paying less than €50 a week for accommodation and food.

These are major recruitment incentives, especially as the starting annual salary for qualified personnel has been increased and is now around €42,000.

There are other incentives to living in, as there are gymnasiums, sports pitches, and bars in the military installations.

A Defence Forces spokesman said: “Living-in accommodation continues to provide an important option for many younger members of the Defence Forces. Personnel who avail of barrack accommodation benefit from subsidised lodging and meals.”