Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:1008. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39844/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 July 2022
Questions (1008)
Written answers
No decision has been made to locate a Naval Base in Dun Laoghaire.
There is a long standing and ongoing tradition of Naval Service Ships using Dún Laoghaire Pier and Harbour both for shelter and shore leave. The Naval Service make use of the Harbour for training by the Naval Service Reserve and to mark many significant events.
These events have included the Commissioning Ceremony of LÉ James Joyce that took place in Dún Laoghaire in 2015 and the Freedom of Entry to the County was bestowed upon the Irish Naval Service in 2017 by Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown Co Council in recognition of its work in the Mediterranean humanitarian crisis. The Naval Service official 75th Anniversary celebrations began in Dún Laoghaire Harbour in 2021 when the LÉ Samuel Beckett berthed overnight and departed the Harbour heralded by a 21-gun salute.
The connection between Dún Laoghaire Harbour and the Naval Service is an important and strong one that continues to be fostered on an ongoing basis.