Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin says a masterplan is being drawn up to further enhance facilities at the navy headquarters in Haulbowline, Co Cork, in the hope it and other recent measures will improve recruitment and retention in the force.
Sailors are no longer sleeping in ships on days off following the refurbishment of a Victorian-era block on the base, which houses 75 personnel.
Another nearby block is also being refurbished and, when finished, will provide living-in accommodation for a similar number.
Most are single rooms with ensuite facilities. The blocks also include modern office space.
The area around Haulbowline is a high-pressure rent zone. However, personnel living in the base get their accommodation and food for just €43 a week, which is hoped will be another incentive to recruitment, especially as the starting pay for new recruits has risen to about €40,000 a year.
Another incentive announced by Mr Martin is that the Seagoing Naval Personnel Tax Credit will be extended for a further five years.
A second gym is to be created in the complex and the cadets’ former mess is being turned into an officer training centre and will have some further accommodation within it when completed.
Mr Martin said dredging of the naval basin would commence shortly. This will also include the dry dock area.
It is expected the masterplan will include further remediation of the former Irish Steel/Ispat site known as the East Tip.
Much work has already been done in that area to create the ‘People’s Park’, and provide the navy with sports pitches.
Mr Martin maintains the infrastructure development and the recent doubling of the patrol duty allowance will make the navy a more attractive career.
Two recruit classes have been inducted this year, with another planned for in the next couple of months.
“Significant progress has been made on the removal of the blanket exemption for the Defence Forces from the provisions of the Working Time Act.
“Following my approval of a final management position, formal engagement has commenced with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who will lead on the development of the appropriate legislative mechanism,” Mr Martin said.
