Press release
Tánaiste announces new berthage arrangements for IPVs in Dun-Laoghaire
Published on
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Published on
Last updated on
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, has instructed officials to enter into discussions with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to secure berthage space in Dún Laoghaire harbour.
Today’s announcement follows a record allocation of €1.35 billion in Defence funding in Budget 2025 and is the latest in a series of investments in Naval Service capacity.
The securing of berthage facilities in Dún Laoghaire will support the operational activity of the recently commissioned Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV’s), particularly in patrolling the East Coast.
The Report of the Commission on Defence Forces calls for the development of an East Coast base for the Naval Service. While IPVs can currently operate from Haulbowline, it is a strategic goal of the Defence Forces to develop a Forward Operating Base on the East Coast.
Following today’s announcement, the Department of Defence will engage with the County Council to agree on terms for the use of Carlisle Pier over the short term. A detailed business case is currently being developed by the Defence Forces for the longer term Naval Service presence on the East Coast.
The IPV’s are tasked with a variety of roles, from fishery protection to maritime surveillance, and other Defence duties.