An Cosantóir

16 EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION GORMANSTON CAMP EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION GORMANSTON CAMP By Comdt Ruaidhri Kedney Photos By Airman Sam Gibney For the first time in serving memory, 2 Bde commenced preparations for the design, construction and operation of an Emergency Accommodation Reception Centre (EARC) for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The EARC is situated in Gormanston Camp and falls under our assigned roles in the Aid To Civil Authority (ATCA) operational sphere; "To contribute to national resilience through the provision of specified defence aid to the civil authority (ATCA)". The quote above is drawn directly from 2 Bde's assigned roles and marries neatly with the Defence Forces tagline to "Strengthen the Nation". There were valuable lessons learned and experiences gained throughout the pandemic from the vast array of tasks that fell under Operation Fortitude. None more valuable than remaining poised to act decisively and with agility and flexibility. It was on the 16th of March, as 2 Bde HQ staff were preparing to enjoy the St Patricks Day bank holiday that the order from the Joint Task Force (JTF) was received to commence planning for the imminent construction of the EARC. Similar to the design and construction of the Aviva COVID-19 testing Centre, the 2 Bde Brigade Ordnance and Engineers Groups, along with the Transport and CIS Coy's, were contacted with respective orders to provide troops, transport and equipment for a deployment to Gormanston Camp to commence the immediate construction of the facility. Planning teams were mobilised and arrived on site on the morning and the 18th of March. The camp itself was a mammoth feat to construct, requiring the raising of 40 x MPTSS (medium sized accommodation tents), 3 x MVST (large utility tents) and all the necessary toilets, ablutions, lighting, heating and electrical sockets required to comfortably facilitate 320 BOTPs. Work continued around the clock until the task was complete and signed off as "fit for purpose" by the 2 Bde Ordnance and Engineer officers. Comdt John Murphy of the 2 Fd Eng Coy recalls the resourcefulness of his highly skilled NCO's and Pte's; "In order to meet to the demanding timelines involved, electrical components including local distribution units (LDU) that had seen previous service on our Chad deployments were refitted and refurbed to the highest of standards. Seeing Temporary Accommodation 2 Bde Ordnance Corps Flash 27 Inf Bn Flash Entrance sign in both English and Ukrainian

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