The Irish Examiner reports:
“The Department of Defence has confirmed it intends to proceed with purchasing a new Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) for the Naval Service, which could be used as a hospital ship and would be capable of carrying troops and helicopters for amphibious and airborne landings.
A spokeswoman for the department said planning is “underway on this project”.
It is envisaged that it will replace the ageing LÉ Eithne as the Naval Service flagship, and could cost up to €200m.
The new ship is likely to be designed to allow it the capability to carry out numerous different types of missions, not just sea fishery patrols.
Military sources have indicated that it could be used to provide humanitarian aid in times of emergency in Ireland and in other countries where conflicts or climate disaster threaten civilian populations.
It could also be used by gardaí, customs, or the coastguard, where required.”
Link to full article:
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40086203.html
Image: The vessel is expected to be similar in size and operability to this MRV recently procured for the Navy in New Zealand
Bernard Moffatt
Assistant General Secretary Celtic League (23rd November 2020)
