Government announces €17.65 million investment in Army Ranger Wing HQ

Kenneth Fox

Minister Helen McEntee has announced a €17.65 million investment in the Defence Forces’ Army Ranger Wing Headquarters in the Curragh, Co Kildare

The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, said a contract has been signed for the construction of a new Army Ranger Wing (ARW) Headquarters at the Defence Forces Training Centre.

It represents phase 1 of the development of the purpose-built Special Operations Forces (Army Ranger Wing) headquarters, a three-phase project with a whole complex estimated cost of €46 million.

The funding for the project is part of the €1.7 billion National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Investment Plan for Defence, which Minister McEntee announced last year.

They said the work on the project will start immediately, and it is scheduled to take 21 months to complete.

The project will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility, which will support the Defence Forces’ operational capability of the Army Ranger Wing, in a space that meets the highest standards of quality and service.

Speaking after the contract signing, Minister McEntee said: “This investment marks an important milestone in the advancement of unique Defence Forces capabilities.

"Both the training and the operations of the Army Ranger Wing will benefit from this investment and are of huge importance as we fulfil the Special Operations recommendations in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report."

Defence Forces chief of staff, Lt Gen Rossa Mulcahy, said: "This is the first step in a multi-phased project to enhance the capabilities of Ireland's Special Operation Forces (IRLSOF), the Army Ranger Wing and will ensure the Defence Forces can provide the State with a unique and specialised skillset, providing both national defence and overseas capabilities.

"Together with the wide range of ongoing projects, Óglaigh na hÉireann will develop into a modern, fit-for-purpose armed force to Defend Our State."