Irish defence budget increased by just €100 million despite €25 billion surplus
Ireland operates two C295 maritime patrol aircraft and is getting a third C-295. (Photo: Irish Defence Force)
The budget of more than €1.3 billion is a record figure for the Irish Defence Forces but almost a quarter is to meet to meet the pensions costs of Defence Forces Veterans and their dependents.
Ireland’s Defence Budget for 2025 includes provision for a net increase of defence personnel by 400 members and will allow the Irish Air Corps to take delivery of a new Airbus C295W aircraft, the third of the airframe to be operated by the force.
The eight per cent increase in funding by €100 million (US$110 million) to €1.3 billion is part of a plan, subject to parliamentary approval, to increase the budget to €1.5 billion in 2028 in 2021 prices. While it is a boost, there is limited space for any new major capital purchases, with €469 million for Permanent
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