PHOTOS: New Minister for Defence pays visit to Curragh Camp

Ms McEntee said it was her first official visit to the Defence Forces Training Centre and she was delighted to meet with cadets and personnel

placeholder image — Ms McEntee said it was her first official visit to the Defence Forces Training Centre and she was delighted to meet with cadets and personnel

New Minister for Defence Helen McEntee paid her first official visit before Christmas to the Curragh Camp in Kildare since taking over the portfolio.

The Meath TD succeeded Tanaiste Simon Harris in the ministry.

She was also given a tour and saw some military equipment firsthand.

The minister said: "I remain fully committed to delivering the equipment, infrastructure and capabilities that the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann need to operate safely and effectively, both at home and overseas.

"Thank you to everyone for the extremely warm welcome."

The minister used the visit to launche the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan 2026–2030.

She said the €1.7 billion plan, a 55% increase in capital funding, will drive the modernisation of the Defence Forces across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.

She added: "This investment is essential given the dramatically changed geopolitical environment since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The plan underscores the Government’s determination to strengthen Ireland’s security, enhance our resilience, and ensure that the Defence Forces are equipped to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and unstable world.

"Key projects include the phased rollout of the Military Radar Programme from 2026, new Counter-UAS capabilities, additional Air Corps helicopters, strategic airlift capacity, major upgrades to the Naval Service’s subsea domain and continued renewal of the Army’s armoured fleet.

"It will also significantly improve force protection, accommodation, infrastructure and critical IT and engineering systems."