The Cabinet is set to discuss the estimated €1 billion cost of relocating Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin for housing development, with Tánaiste Micheál Martin advising against the plan due to high costs. Feasibility studies show moving the barracks to a greenfield site would cost around €497m. Additionally, the Land Development Agency’s study suggests relocating the barracks could lead to the development of 1,300 homes costing approximately €499m.
Other items on the agenda include the Defence Policy Review and the Access to Cash bill, which aims to enhance access to cash for everyone, with specific requirements for ATM access. The Government will also consider measures to improve disability services and ratify a protocol on disability rights.
Minister for Education Norma Foley will present a report on Q2 expenditure management, highlighting additional spending on school building projects. There are also proposals to allow the deferral of maternity leave for health reasons and to ban non-disclosure agreements in cases of sexual harassment.