One of the country's longest standing army barracks will undergo a massive €2.4 million revamp over the next 12 months, it emerged tonight.
The Minister for Defence Mr O'Dea said the investment at Custume Barracks in Athlone, which dates from the 1690s, was one step on the road towards modernising the centuries old base.
"I am delighted to announce this new contract which will result in a more comfortable, modern and safer work environment for personnel," the minister said.
"It is further evidence of this Government's ongoing commitment to major investment in the infrastructure and facilities of the Defence Forces."
It is hoped the work, including re-roofing, rewiring, emergency lighting and fire alarm systems, and a new extension, will be completed over the next year.
The complex evolved from a barrack-building programme of the 1690's, and is one of the oldest occupied barracks in Ireland.
It takes its name from Sergeant Custume, a sergeant of dragoons, who bravely defended the bridge of Athlone during the siege of 1691.
The barracks also served as a British military post until February 1922 when it was taken over by Commandant-General Sean MacEoin of the IRA.
PA