Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1015. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Defence the current assets of the Navy, specifically all vessels and craft at its disposal and those that are not available for use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40086/22]
View answerThe Naval Service currently has six ships in the fleet. Five ships are operational with one ship, LÉ Niamh, currently undergoing a mid-life refit and upgrade. Three ships, namely LÉ Eithne, LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara have recently come to the end of their service and have been decommissioned.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. The delivery of these vessels is expected in 2023.
Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of multi-role vessel (MRV) to replace the flagship, LÉ Eithne, this work is underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course.
The Naval Service also operate a number of other craft, these are mainly considered to be part of the ship’s overall equipment, their availability is subject to change and is a matter for the Naval Service to determine on an ongoing basis. The project to replace the Naval Service Reserve motor launches is ongoing.
