As the contractors responsible for the construction of the new Cadet School in the Curragh, Duggan Lynch Ltd takes immense pride in the completion of this landmark project. The new Cadet School would not only serve as an educational facility for the future leaders of the military but also as a symbol of the country’s continued investment in its armed forces. The Curragh, with its rich military heritage, was the ideal location, and our team was honoured to play such a crucial role in its development.
The opening ceremony was a proud moment for our company. It marked the culmination of years of planning, dedication, and hard work. The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris officially opened the new Defence Forces’ Cadet School Headquarters at the Defence Forces Training Centre on the 28th February, 2025.
Speaking at the official opening of the new headquarters, the Tánaiste said:
“I’m pleased today to officially open the new Defence Forces’ Cadet School at the Curragh Camp. The provision of this new modern, fit-for-purpose headquarters for the Cadet School is further evidence of the government’s commitment to invest in our Defence Forces facilities and indeed our personnel.
“This new project means the leaders of tomorrow’s Defence Forces will enjoy facilities that will ensure they reach their full potential as newly commissioned officers. The new school headquarters will also provide the staff with facilities appropriate for the training and development of officer cadets.
“It is particularly fitting that these facilities are being officially opened as the 100th Cadet Class approach their commissioning next month. I would also like to acknowledge the work of all those involved in bringing this project to such a successful conclusion, including the personnel in the Defence Forces’ Directorate of Engineering as well as the team of officials from the Property Management Unit in my department.
“This building is completed to a very high standard and it is particularly appropriate that the new headquarters incorporates the Pearse Guard Room building, which will bring a new use to a historic building, which is over one hundred years old and which will be well known to generations of cadets.”
The project scope included the refurbishment and partial demolition of existing buildings (circa. 250m2) and construction of a new build two storey extension (circa. 650m2) which combined forms the new Cadet School HQ building.
The existing building comprised refurbishment works to the original structure, demolition works, structural interventions and repairs, internal finishes and completions, fire safety works, full Mechanical and Electrical installations, full replacement of the roof coverings, rainwater goods, repair/replacement of windows and repointing/replacement of brickwork.
The new building comprised of a modern two-storey extension of traditional construction methods with curtain walling, feature Corten Cladding and exposed in-situ boardmark concrete elements.
The works also included all tie-in and interface works between the existing building and new build extension.
We are proud to have been part of such a prestigious project, and we look forward to seeing the Cadet School continue to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
