New navy vessels unveiled
Image 1 of 4
Petty Officer Comm Op Aherne on the LÉ Aoibhinn. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/ProvisionImage 2 of 4
Lt. Grace Downing by the LÉ Aoibhin. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/ProvisionImage 3 of 4
The raised ‘Jack’ flags on the LÉ Aoibhin and LÉ Gobnait. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/ProvisionImage 4 of 4
The LÉ Aoibhin and LÉ Gobnait. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/ProvisionAn Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said the new naval vessels LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait will play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s security.
It comes as the Cork TD and Minister for Defence hosted the naming and commissioning ceremonies of two vessels in Haulbowline.
The inshore patrol vessels (IPVs) introduce new electronic warfare and intelligence gathering capabilities to the fleet, bolstering the Naval Service ability to adapt to the ever-changing maritime environment.
The ships will replace the now decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. They are highly manoeuvrable and can reach speeds of up to 25 knots.
The IPVs have a lesser crewing requirement than the ships they replace, requiring 26 personnel to fully crew each ship. Using two RHIBs (rigid hull inflawtable boats) both ships can undertake boarding operations and surveillance.
The IPVs were purchased from the New Zealand government and reoriented to specific Irish Naval Service requirements, overseen by the Irish Naval Service and the Department of Defence.
The vessels have fully automated control and navigations system, modern communications and surveillance systems and comfortable accommodation. This will provide the Naval Service with an enhanced capacity to operate and undertake patrols in the Irish Sea on the east and south east coast.
An Tánaiste said: “I know these vessels and their crews stand ready to continue the hugely important work of our naval service. These ships are yet another demonstration of the Government's ongoing commitment to the modernisation of our Defence Forces, by investing in improved equipment, infrastructure, facilities and people.”
At the ceremony, he also announced that the Sea-going Naval Personnel Tax Credit will be extended for five years. “I am also pleased to confirm that I have received agreement to extend the Sea-going Naval Personnel Tax Credit for a further five years, reflecting Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing recruitment and retention challenges in the Naval Service.”