Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D., Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs has announced the purchase of two Inshore Patrol Vessels from the New Zealand Government.
Minister Coveney stated, “I am pleased to announce the purchase of two second hand Inshore Patrol Vessels on a Government to Government Basis from the New Zealand Government for delivery to Ireland in 2023.
The Government has acknowledged that there are ongoing challenges in the Naval Service and these are being addressed as part of a planned approach to regeneration of the Naval Service. This will see, amongst a range of other actions, the withdrawal of three ships from service – LÉ Orla, LÉ Ciara and LÉ Eithne and their replacement on a phased basis.”
The investment of some €26 million in these two Inshore Patrol Vessels, will provide replacements for LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. These Inshore Patrol Vessels have a lesser crewing requirement than the ships they replace, and 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. This will allow the remaining fleet to focus on operations elsewhere.
It is the intention that the two ships will be transported to Ireland in 2023 after a programme of works to restore them to Lloyd’s Classification has been carried out in New Zealand.
The project to provide for the replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a new more modern and capable Multi Role Vessel is underway, with consultants having been engaged with a view to initiating a tender competition in due course.
The Minister thanked the Naval Service, Contracts Branch in the Department of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Forces for all of their work in bringing the proposal to contract stage.
Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy added, “The changing face of maritime security in the Irish Sea has highlighted a requirement for a specialist inshore capability in order to protect Irish interests. The procurement of these vessels strengthens the ability of the Naval Service to fulfil its role in protecting our national sovereignty and constitutes a strong vote of confidence in the Defence Forces by the Minister and Government.”
Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service Commodore Michael Malone concluded, “The acquisition of the IPVs will allow the Naval Service to continue to modernise and tackle the dynamic and ever changing maritime environment that we operate in 365 days a year.”
