Naval Service

Thursday, 7 May 2026

Questions (102, 120)

John Connolly

Question:

102. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Defence her plans for a forward operating base on the west coast for the Naval Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33296/26]

View answer

Joe Cooney

Question:

120. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Defence whether the Shannon Estuary and County Clare will be included for consideration as a potential location for the proposed new Naval Service base on the west coast of Ireland, as referenced in the National Maritime Security Strategy 2026–2030; the criteria are being applied as part of the site selection process for this base; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33116/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 120 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that I recently published Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy.

It focuses on risks and threats to Ireland’s national security and defence through a new whole-of-government approach.

The strategy has an accompanying action plan to ensure delivery of this new whole-of-government approach to protecting the security of our maritime domain.

As part of this action plan, options will be explored to expand the State’s existing naval infrastructure, including exploring the potential for a forward operating base on the West Coast.

While the action plan sets out a timeline of 2030 for a decision regarding the West Coast forward operating base concept, work will commence on developing options in the near future.