Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
141. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the measures being taken by her Department to ensure the protection of critical subsea infrastructure such as the Celtic Interconnector; if she is satisfied that the current operational strength of the Naval Service is sufficient to deter or respond to such threats; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72038/25]
View answerThe Defence Forces routinely carry out monitoring and surveillance of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft. In addition to at sea monitoring, the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline carries out remote monitoring twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
It is clear that protecting critical undersea infrastructure requires collaboration within the State as well as collaboration with other European states to provide a broader understanding of what is occurring in the greater maritime space. This means that Government Departments and agencies, infrastructure operators, the Defence Forces, the private sector and academia all have a part to play. Safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure requires a multifaceted approach with a wide variation of parties involved.
To that end, my Department has taken the lead in the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy following identification of maritime security as a priority in last year’s Defence Policy Review. This strategy is being developed in consultation with national and international stakeholders. I anticipate that this new strategy will provide a roadmap over the next five years to safeguard Ireland’s sovereign maritime interests, ensure safe and secure seas and support international legal order in the maritime domain. I intend to bring this strategy to Government next year.
