Minister McEntee Visits Finner Camp

The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, made her first official visit to Finner Camp in Co. Donegal, home of the 28th Infantry Battalion.

The Minister was welcomed on arrival by the Assistant Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Neil Nolan and the Officer Commanding 28th Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Jim O’Shea.

The Minister had the opportunity to see some of the significant progress being made on infrastructure delivery for Finner Camp as well as meeting many of the more than 400 personnel based there, including a platoon of recruits currently undergoing their recruit training.

Commenting on the €2.5 million refurbishment of the installation’s gymnasium, on which work is expected to be completed next month, the Minister said:

“The newly refurbished gymnasium will ensure that a range of sports and activities can be delivered to trainees, students, soldiers, and staff as part of their military training, their personal fitness and well-being, and their pursuit of recreational sports skills.

“In addition, my Department will shortly launch a tender competition for the construction of the new Dining Hall, which reflects my commitment to improving the living and working environments for all military personnel at the Camp, which I’m sure will be a major factor influencing their morale, training, health and overall personal development.”

The Minister also met a number of the 400 Defence Forces personnel based at Finner Camp, including a platoon of recruits who are currently undertaking their recruit training.

Having met personnel based at the Camp, the Minister said

“It was a pleasure to meet members of the 46th Recruit Platoon and wish them well in their training and future careers with Óglaigh na hÉireann.

“2025 saw a modest, though significant, growth in the overall strength of nearly 200, with a total of 790 inductions achieved - the highest in twenty years - and the number of personnel who discharged was at its lowest level in more than five years.

“I have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026. The recruits in training here in Finner Camp are further evidence of our determination to convert the high level of applications to inductions in the Defence Forces.”