Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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25. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the development of a naval base in Dún Laoghaire Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30439/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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At the outset I wish to acknowledge the long association between the Naval Service and Dún Laoghaire and I am keen to see this continuing and developing in the years ahead.

The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces identified, in the context of achieving LOA 2, the need for an East Cost base for the naval service. Reflecting this the Programme for Government has also recognised the need for an East Coast base. In that regard, the Naval Service has been asked to submit a fully-worked up business case setting out full infrastructure requirements, for both marine and support-related elements.

As the Deputy will be aware, the issue of an east coast base has been discussed in the context of the Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait. These IPVs were acquired with a particular focus on east coast operations, where they are well-suited to key missions like the protection of critical infrastructure. With the LE Aoibhinn becoming operational in 2024, the then Tánaiste gave approval to lease berthage in Dún Laoghaire to support east coast operations in the short-term, likely for a period of five years.

My Department has been in discussions with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council the owner of Dún Laoghaire Harbour, regarding the possibility of leasing berthage for exclusive use by the Naval Service. These discussions took place in several rounds over March and April 2025. The Naval Service have also engaged with technical experts from the local authority regarding the requirements associated with the operation of this berthage.

These negotiations are at an advanced stage and I have been informed that they should be completed imminently.