Kildare TD and former soldier welcomes changes to Army Ranger Wing

A Kildare TD who previously served in the Defence Forces has welcomed the recently announced changes to the Army Ranger Wing (ARW).

Previously, Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin said that An Tánaiste Micheál Martin will undertake 'the largest expansion and restructuring' of the ARW in its 43 year history.

Now, Dr Cathal Berry TD has expressed his support for the changes to the ARW.

The Independent TD, who previously served as a Commandant in the ARW, said: "I very much welcome these structural changes and additional investment.

"They were first proposed in the 2015 White Paper so I’m glad to see they are finally being implemented."

He continued: "For instance, it’s good to see the new €10 million ARW building in The Curragh currently underway with the contractor already on site.

"I also very much welcome the recent pay increase for ARW personnel too, and it’s no more than they deserve.

"The new Airbus C295 troop transport aircraft is currently under construction too and is due to be delivered to the Air Corps in 18 months’ time... this will significantly improve our Special Forces ability to evacuate Irish citizens abroad, just like they had to do twice in the last three years."

Dr Berry TD also said that the the recent drugs bust on the MV Mathew off the coast of County Cork, which involved a fast-rope assault by ARW personnel, 'really captured the public’s imagination.'

"It’s good to see our Rangers finally getting the resources they so desperately need to continue protect our country and people," he added.