Army Ranger Wing set for new headquarters

The Army Ranger Wing previously worked on extractions of Irish citizens in Afghanistan following the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021. File Picture: Billy Higgins

A new purpose-built headquarters for the army’s most elite soldiers is due to be built this year, as part of a series of infrastructure investments in the Defence Forces.

The new headquarters for the Army Ranger Wing (ARW), the special operations division of the Defence Forces, is due to be located in the Curragh Camp in Kildare.

The project is expected to cost approximately €7.8m.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner in Colombia, Tánaiste Micheál Martin confirmed the project is now in development as part of a series of investments into Defence Forces infrastructure.

“In 2024, we will also see the development of a number of strategic assets to improve the capability of the Defence Forces and a new purpose-built Army Ranger Wing headquarters will be developed in 2024,” Mr Martin said.

He toured the proposed site for the headquarters last year.

Asked about the importance of such a project to the ARW, Mr Martin said: “It’s very important.

I mean, it’s very high standards within the Wing and it’s further evidence of our commitment. They’re eagerly awaiting this and I think it will be very significant.

At present, the ARW is headquartered within the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh Camp.

The ARW previously worked on extractions of Irish citizens in Afghanistan following the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021.

More recently, the special forces unit was involved in storming the MV Mathew tanker ship during the largest seizure of cocaine — 2.25 tonnes — in Irish history.

Alongside the development of the new ARW headquarters, there are a series of infrastructure projects set to be progressed over the coming year, including further works at the naval base in Haulbowline.

In particular, this will include upgrades to a block of accommodation and a block of offices in the naval base at a cost of €18m.

At Collins Barracks in Cork, a new accommodation block and refurbishment of existing accommodation is expected to cost €9.6m.

Additionally, a new Communication and Information Services workshop as well as a purpose-built medical facility are to be added, at a cost of €10.7m and €15.4m respectively.

In total, there is a capital allocation of €45m for infrastructure development across 2024.

Mr Martin said that an additional 365 beds have been provided so far as part of the infrastructure plan, with 600 beds more set to be built in the coming years.

The Tánaiste’s comments came as he concluded a five day visit to Latin America, where he met with government officials in the Mexican and Colombian governments.

He also visited monuments paying tribute to Irish people who fought alongside South and Central Americans during several wars, including the Mexican-American war and the Colombian independence movement.