Irish Examiner view: €1.7bn defence spending plan reflects a new era in geopolitics

Defence minister Helen McEntee announced a €1.7bn investment in Ireland’s defensive capabilities

Defence minister Helen McEntee is shown military equipment during a visit to Curragh Camp in Co Kildare on Thursday. Picture: Gráinne Ní Aodha/PA

Minister for defence Helen McEntee has announced significant investment in Ireland’s defensive capabilities, detailing a €1.7bn spending plan.

Some of that investment will be focused on traditional hardware, from the upgrading of the army’s fleet of vehicles to the procurement of new helicopters for the air corps. The staff of the Defence Forces will also benefit from €400m invested in training camps, accommodation, gyms, and general infrastructure.