IRISH NAVAL SERVICES ADDS TWO NEW VESSELS TO ITS PATROLLING TEAM

The Naval Service commissioned L.É. Aoibhinnand L.É. Gobnait vessels in its fleet on 4th September 2024 in an elaborate commissioning ceremony held at Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork. The two inshore patrolling vessels will help in more efficient patrolling of the Irish Sea. They have a range of 3,000 nautical miles and will each be crewed by 24 personnel. These ships were bult in 2009

Speaking to the media, Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin shared that the Irish Government is making extra efforts to recruit and retain naval service personnel. He added, “I was happy the last number of days to secure agreement from the Minister of Finance Jack Chambers that the tax credit will remain now for the next five years. It had been year to year, and of course, it was an expectation that it would go all together when we doubled the patrol duty loans. But I’ve made sure that we keep it. I think that will be an additional incentive”.