Make Dún Laoghaire a new naval base – Ward

Dún Laoghaire should be chosen as a naval base, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Barry Ward, Fine Gael General Election candidate for Dún Laoghaire, made his comments on foot of the Naval Service’s commissioning of two inshore patrol vessels today, which were purchased from the New Zealand Navy in 2022 – the LÉ Aoibhinn and the LÉ Gobnait.

He said: “With the addition of these two vessels, I am reiterating my call for Dún Laoghaire to be chosen as a naval base of operations for the east coast.

“This is something I have called for on a number of occasions in the past, including in July 2022 in the Seanad, when the Minister confirmed to me that it would be considered.

“These two vessels will patrol the Irish Sea and Irish waters off the east and southeast coasts. A new naval base will be required to house the vessels and their support teams, outside the main base at Haulbowline in Cork, so that they have ease of access to their patrol waters.

“Dún Laoghaire Harbour is the obvious location for such a base, situated in the middle of the proposed patrol areas for the two vessels.

“Dún Laoghaire Harbour has capacity for the vessels, it is large enough and deep enough, accessible at all points of the tide, is uncongested and adjacent to coastal waters. It is also located in close proximity to Dublin city and the military barracks therein. Unlike other ports, it is not constrained by high volumes of commercial traffic.

“These are characteristics that are unique to Dún Laoghaire Harbour and cannot be said of other ports. It is a harbour that is historically significant, and is home to important maritime heritage, with the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Irish Sailing and the National Maritime Museum all based there.

“The Naval Service plays a crucial role in patrolling our coastal waters and it must be equipped with the necessary resourcing and facilities to carry out its work.

“Government must now make a clear statement of its commitment to increasing investment in, and the operability of, the Defence Forces by designating Dún Laoghaire Harbour as a Naval Base of operations,” Senator Ward concluded.