Alan Kelly
Question:350. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service ships that are currently in operation. [15479/23]
View answerTuesday, 28 March 2023
Questions (350)
Written answers
The Naval Service currently has a fleet of six vessels. One ship, LÉ Niamh, is in the process of a mid life refit which is expected to be complete in Quarter 3 2023, and a second ship LÉ Róisín, has been placed in operational reserve. There are four operational ships that remain available.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace the decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. The ceremonial handover of the vessels took place in Auckland on 14 March 2023. Both vessels are expected to complete their acceptance testing and commence transportation to Ireland by the end of this month. With a transit time of at least a month, they are expected to arrive in Cork in May. On arrival, the vessels will undergo a comprehensive programme of works, including crew familiarisation and training, which will take place in the vicinity of Cork Harbour and the naval base at Haulbowline. It is expected that these vessels will be in a position to commence operational service in 2024.
Notwithstanding some challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime surveillance operations.