John Brady
Question:1023. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if any analysis has been undertaken in respect of situating a naval base on the east coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41099/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 July 2022
Questions (1023, 1024)
John Brady
Question:1024. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a copy of any report or reports that has been compiled in relation to any analysis undertaken in respect of situating a naval base on the east coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41100/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1023 and 1024 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The Commission on the Defence Forces recently published their report that contained 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations there are 130 individual recommendations. The Government approved the High Level Action Plan which sets out the response of Government in relation to each of the 130 specific recommendations in the Commission’s report. Of the 130 individual recommendations 103 have been approved or approved in principle with the remaining 27 requiring further investigation.
The establishment of a naval base on the east coast was not one of the specific recommendations set out by the Commission in their report. However the report did state “The location of a support base on the west or east coast, for example, combined with double crewing of vessels, would facilitate ships remaining at sea for longer periods as they would no longer have to return to Haulbowline for replenishment and crew changeover.”
No decision has been made to locate a Naval Base on the east coast, however, I can confirm a Naval Service working group has commenced analysis and a report will be prepared in due course.
There is a long standing and ongoing tradition of Naval Service Ships using harbours and piers on the east coast for both shelter and shore leave. I am satisfied that the connection between the Naval Service and the maritime community on the east coast is an important and strong one that will continue to be developed.
Question No. 1024 answered with Question No. 1023.