Irish Naval Service

File:Irish Naval Service recovering bodies from the Air India Flight 182 disaster.jpg from LÉ Aisling which was sent to search for survivors on 23 June 1985]]

The Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, which created the Irish Free State, stipulated that it was to be given responsibility to police its customs and fishing, while control of its seas remained with the United Kingdom and its Royal Navy, who also retained the "Treaty Ports" of Cork, Berehaven and Lough Swilly.Articles of Agreement between Great Britain and Ireland, 6 December 1921 (Irish Free State established pursuant thereto on 6 December 1922){{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/en/public-information/defence-forces-museums/defence-forces-history/history-of-the-naval-service/|website=military.ie|title=History of the Naval Service|access-date=10 February 2025}}

During the Irish Civil War, due to the lack of an established navy for the Irish Free State, the Royal Navy provided some support, patrolling and searching incoming ships to prevent gun-running to the Irish Republican Army. Actually backing the Free State in combat was considered, but never implemented, as British military intervention would have been politically-embarrassing for the new Irish government. Anti-Treaty IRA units occasionally fired on Royal Navy vessels, though these efforts were ineffective.[https://www.rte.ie/history/sea-landings/2022/0804/1313991-the-civil-war-on-water/

Several coastal landings were undertaken by the Irish National Army using commandeered civilian passenger ships such as the Arvonia and the SS Lady Wicklow.{{cite book|last=McIvor|first=Aidan|title=A History of the Irish Naval Service|year=1994|publisher=Irish Academic Press|location=Dublin|isbn=0-7165-2523-2|page=46}}{{cite web|last1=Bourke|first1=Dr Edward|title=Early Irish Free State Naval Activity|url=https://www.lugnad.ie/free-state-navy/|website=lugnad.ie|access-date=6 October 2015|archive-date=27 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627071018/https://www.lugnad.ie/free-state-navy/|url-status=live}} On 2 August 1922, the Lady Wicklow, commanded by Captain Patrick Ryan, landed 450 troops under the infamous Paddy Daly at Fenit, the port of Tralee.{{cite book|last=Harrington|first=Niall|year=1992|title=Kerry Landing|place=Dublin|publisher=Anvil Books|isbn=978-0-947962-70-8|page=72}} On 8 August, the Arvonia and Lady Wicklow were used to land over 1,000 troops at Youghal and Passage West liberating Cork unopposed two days later.{{cite book|last=Duggan|first=John P.|title=A History of the Irish Army|year=1991|publisher=Gill & Macmillan|isbn=0-7171-1957-2|page=96}}

In May 1923, Major General Vize established the Coastal and Marine Service (CMS) with fourteen patrol vessels, each armed with a 12 pounder gun, and several other boats armed with machine guns. As the civil war concluded the same month, the vessels were soon disposed of, and the service was disbanded in March 1924.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.militaryarchives.ie/uploads/antoglac/1923.02.24%20to%201923.12.29%20-%20Vol%2001%20No%2001%20to%20Vol%2001%20No%2021.pdf#page=347|magazine=An tÓglach Magazine|title=On board the coast patrol sloop 'Dainty'|page=347|author=|publisher=The Military Archives|date=6 October 1923|access-date=10 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://inishowenmaritime.com/museum-themes/irish-naval-service/|website=inishowenmaritime.com|title=Irish Naval Service|access-date=10 February 2025}}

File:HMCS Malaspina E-75597.jpg

From 1924 to 1938, Ireland had very little interest in maritime affairs. Its only ship was the unarmed {{ship|Irish patrol vessel|Muirchú||2}}, which was operated by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to patrol Irish fisheries. By the late 1930s, the Free State began to pay a little more notice and the Muirchú was re-armed in 1936. She was joined in 1938 by the newly built steam trawler Fort Rannoch.{{cite web|url=https://coastmonkey.ie/irish-naval-service-anniversary-founding/|website=coastmonkey.ie|title=The Irish Naval Service – 72 years of Excellent Service (1946 – 2018)|first=Daniel|last=Farrell|date=1 September 2018|access-date=3 December 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.marine.ie/site-area/areas-activity/fisheries-ecosystems/interactive-marine-archive/vessels|publisher=Marine Institute|website=marine.ie|title=Marine Archive - Vessels|access-date=3 December 2022}} Also in 1938, the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement returned the Treaty Ports to Ireland, and the Royal Navy withdrew from Cork Harbour.{{cite web|url=https://www.difp.ie/docs/1938/British-Irish-tripartite-agreement-on-trade-finance-and-defence/2321.htm|title=British-Irish tripartite agreement on trade, finance and defence from Text of British-Agreements|access-date=19 April 2020|website=Documents on Irish Foreign Policy|date=25 April 1938}}

File:M1 Irish Motor Torpedo Boat.jpg

On the outbreak of World War Two in September 1939, referred to as The Emergency in Ireland, the government established the Marine and Coastwatching Service, later renamed the Marine Service in 1942.{{cite web|url=https://www.coastmonkey.ie/irish-torpedo-boats-in-the-1940s/|title=Irish torpedo boats in the 1940s|publisher=Coast Monkey Media|access-date=6 December 2017|date=29 August 2017|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206201318/https://www.coastmonkey.ie/irish-torpedo-boats-in-the-1940s/|url-status=live}} That May the government had ordered two motor torpedo boats (MTBs) from Vosper Thorneycroft. In order to present a more credible neutrality the government ordered an additional four boats later that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.mariner.ie/irish-naval-service-the-birth/|title=Irish Naval Service – The Birth|date=26 March 2012|publisher=National Maritime Museum of Ireland|access-date=6 December 2017|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206210317/https://www.mariner.ie/irish-naval-service-the-birth/|url-status=live}}{{cite book|last1=MacCarron|first1=Donal|title=The Irish Defence Forces since 1922|date=2004|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781841767420|page=19}}

In June 1940, one of the MTBs was involved in a serious breach of Irish neutrality, when the crew who were in Southampton to collect the boat decided to assist in evacuating Allied soldiers during the Dunkirk evacuation.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/price-of-fighting-in-the-second-world-war-1.673514|title=Price of fighting in the second World War|date=6 November 2010|newspaper=The Irish Times|issn=0791-5144|location=Dublin|language=en|access-date=12 September 2020|quote=The [motor torpedo boat] crew made two trips across the English Channel, rescuing French and British soldiers|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160344/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/price-of-fighting-in-the-second-world-war-1.673514|url-status=live}}

A naval reserve, the Maritime Inscription, was established with over 1,000 men in twelve companies to provide port security.{{cite book|last=Duggan|first=John P.|title=A History of the Irish Army|year=1991|publisher=Gill & Macmillan|isbn=0-7171-1957-2|page=187}} The closed Royal Navy base at Haulbowline in Cork harbour was re-opened in 1940 to serve as the base for the Service. By 1941, the Service had about 300 all ranks, with the six MTBs joined by the Muirchú, Fort Rannock, the minelayer Shark, and sail training vessel Isaalt. During the Emergency, these ships served as Ireland's navy, regulating merchant ships, protecting fisheries, and laying mines in Cork and Waterford harbours.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/naval-service/history|website=defence.ie|title=History {{!}} Naval Service {{!}} Defence Forces|access-date=12 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517021317/https://www.military.ie/naval-service/history|archive-date=17 May 2011}}

In September 1946, the Marine Service was incorporated into the Irish Defence Forces as the Naval Service. The first formal training of Irish Naval Cadets took place at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, UK in 1947.{{cite book|last1=MacCarron|first1=Donal|title=The Irish Defence Forces since 1922|date=2004|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781841767420|page=36}} In June 1947, the Maritime Inscription was reorganised as An Slua Muirí.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ship-called-after-a-sea-goddess-to-the-fore-in-naval-reserve-1.84632|title=Ship called after a sea goddess to the fore in naval reserve|publisher=Irish Times|date=24 Jun 1997|accessdate=1 April 2025}} The government intended to purchase six corvettes for the fledgling navy, but ultimately only three {{sclass2|Flower|corvette}}s were purchased from the United Kingdom in 1946 and 1947.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1946-11-20/22/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Questions. Oral Answers. - The Naval Service. (Dáil Éireann Debate – Wednesday, 20 November 1946)|date=20 November 1946|access-date=25 February 2025}} The tradition of naming Irish Naval Ships after figures in Celtic mythology was started, and the ships were named {{ship|LÉ|Macha|01|6}}, {{ship|LÉ|Maev|02|6}}, and {{ship|LÉ|Cliona|03|6}}. These three corvettes were Naval Service's only ships during the 1950s and 1960s with their main role being fishery protection. The corvettes were withdrawn from service between 1970-2 and scrapped soon afterwards.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2014/1126/662439-irish-navy-down-to-its-last-ship/|title=Irish Naval Service 1969|website=rte.ie|date=26 November 1969|access-date=13 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/naval-service/history/fleet-history/|website=defence.ie|title=Fleet History {{!}} History {{!}} Naval Service {{!}} Defence Forces|access-date=25 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510031624/https://www.military.ie/naval-service/history/fleet-history/|archive-date=10 May 2012}} In 1971, the Naval Service acquired three {{sclass2|Ton|minesweeper||ship}}s: {{ship|LÉ|Grainne|CM10|6}}, {{ship|LÉ|Banba|CM11|6}} and {{ship|LÉ|Fola|CM12|6}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1971-01-28/5/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Committee on Finance. - Vote 43: Defence. (Dáil Éireann Debate – Thursday, 28 January 1971)|date=28 January 1971|access-date=25 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2016/0531/792188-new-ships-for-irish-navy/|title=Rebuilding The Irish Navy 1971|website=rte.ie|date=3 June 1971|access-date=20 March 2025}}

The 1970s was a time of expansion for the Naval Service as several locally built ships were added to the fleet. In 1971, the Naval Service commissioned Verolme Cork Dockyard to build an offshore patrol ship. Named {{ship|LÉ|Deirdre|P20|6}}, it was the first naval vessel purpose-built in Ireland to patrol its waters.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/Main%20Section%20Pages/Weapons%26Equipment/Navy/navy_2.htm|website=defence.ie|title=Weapons & Equipment - Naval Service|access-date=3 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991003125220/https://www.military.ie/Main%20Section%20Pages/Weapons%26Equipment/Navy/navy_2.htm|archive-date=3 October 1999}}{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1970-12-16/146/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Questions. Oral Answers. - All-Weather Fishing Protection Vessels. (Dáil Éireann Debate – Wednesday, 16 December 1970)|date=16 December 1970|access-date=3 March 2025}}

File:The LE "Deirdre" at Dun Loaghaire - geograph.org.uk - 626538.jpg

Since independence, Ireland's territorial waters were limited to {{convert|3|nmi|km}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1959/act/22/section/3/enacted/en/html#sec3|title=Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 1959, Section 3|access-date=5 March 2025|publisher=Attorney General of Ireland}}

In 1964, her territorial waters were extended to {{convert|12|nmi|km}} increasing her maritime area to {{cvt|41000|km2|sqmi}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1964/act/32/section/2/enacted/en/html#sec2|title=Maritime Jurisdiction (Amendment) Act, 1964, Section 2|access-date=5 March 2025|publisher=Attorney General of Ireland}}{{cite web|url=https://oar.marine.ie/bitstream/handle/10793/30/Atlas%20of%20the%20Commercial%20Fisheries%20Around%20Ireland%2009.pdf;sequence=1|title=Atlas of the Commercial Fisheries Around Ireland|website=marine.ie|access-date=11 March 2025}}

In 1976, Ireland's exclusive economic zone was extended out to {{convert|200|nmi|km}}, increasing her maritime area to {{cvt|450000|km2|sqmi}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1976/si/320/made/en/print|title=S.I. No. 320/1976 - Maritime Jurisdiction (Exclusive Fishery Limits) Order, 1976.|access-date=5 March 2025|publisher=Attorney General of Ireland}}{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1976-12-01/26/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Limits. (Dáil Éireann Debate – Tuesday, 1 December 1976)|date=1 December 1976|access-date=5 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://marine-ireland.ie/strengths/marine|website=marine-ireland.ie|title=Marine Strengths|access-date=5 March 2025}} The increased maritime area required additional patrol vessels, and Ireland was granted funding from the European Economic Community to increase the Naval Service fleet.{{cite web|url=https://ireland.representation.ec.europa.eu/strategy-and-priorities/key-eu-policies-ireland/fisheries-ireland_en|title=Fisheries in Ireland|website=ec.europa.eu|date=31 May 2024|access-date=11 March 2025}} Between 1977 to 1982 inclusive, Ireland received IR£31 million from the EEC to purchase ships and aircraft for fishery protection.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1983-11-16/51/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Written Answers. - EEC Funds. (Dáil Éireann Debate – Wednesday, 16 November 1983)|date=16 November 1983|access-date=11 March 2025}}

LÉ Deirdre was the prototype for three further offshore patrol vessels built by Verolme,{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/naval-service/fleet/offshore-patrol-vessel|website=defence.ie|title=You are here: Naval Service > Fleet > Offshore Patrol Vessel|access-date=3 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508022509/https://www.military.ie/naval-service/fleet/offshore-patrol-vessel|archive-date=8 May 2012}} which were {{ship|LÉ|Emer|P21|6}} (1978),{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1974-04-02/4/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Questions. Oral Answers. - Naval Service. (Dáil Éireann Debate – Tuesday, 2 April 1974)|date=2 April 1974|access-date=3 March 2025}}

{{ship|LÉ|Aoife|P22|6}} (1979),{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1978-02-28/28/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Vote 46: Defence (Dáil Éireann Debate – Tuesday, 28 February 1978)|date=28 February 1978|access-date=3 March 2025}} and {{ship|LÉ|Aisling|P23|6}} (1980).{{cite web|url=https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/1395581-an-cosant%C3%B3ir-july-august-2021/49|title=The Fate of the PV's|publisher=jmpublishing.ie|date=July 2021|access-date=11 March 2025}}

File:Irish Naval Service recovering bodies from the Air India Flight 182 disaster.jpg from LÉ Aisling which was sent to search for survivors on 23 June 1985]]

In 1980, the government planned to acquire two helicopter carriers from Verolme.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1980-03-20/27/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Written Answers. - Naval Service. (Dáil Éireann Debate – Thursday, 20 March 1980)|date=20 March 1980|access-date=11 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1980-12-17/20/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Questions. Oral Answers. - Naval Service. (Dáil Éireann Debate – Thursday, 17 December 1980)|date=17 December 1980|access-date=11 March 2025}} However, due to design delays{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1981-01-28/56/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Written Answers. - Naval Patrol Vessels. (Dáil Éireann Debate – Wednesday, 28 January 1981)|date=28 January 1981|access-date=11 March 2025}} the first ship was not ordered until April 1982 with delivery expected twenty four months later.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1983-01-26/77/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Written Answers. - Naval Service. (Dáil Éireann Debate – Wednesday, 26 January 1983|date=26 January 1983|access-date=11 March 2025}} {{ship|LÉ|Eithne|P31|6}} entered service in December 1984, and two Dauphin helicopters were acquired to operate with her.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/naval-service/fleet/helicopter-patrol-vessel|website=defence.ie|title=You are here: Naval Service > Fleet > Helicopter Patrol Vessel|access-date=11 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508012756/https://www.military.ie/naval-service/fleet/helicopter-patrol-vessel|archive-date=8 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/aircorps/dauphin.htm|title=Aircraft - Aerospatiale SA.365F Dauphin II|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051124114030/http://www.military.ie/aircorps/dauphin.htm|website=military.ie|archive-date=24 November 2005|access-date=11 March 2025}} In 1986, L.É. Eithne became the first Irish naval ship to cross the Atlantic. The closure of the Verolme dockyard in 1984 due to poor management and low worker productivity prevented the sister ship to Eithne being ordered.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1984-11-28/27/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Private Members' Business. - Verolme Cork Dockyard: Motion (Resumed). (Dáil Éireann Debate – Wednesday, 28 November 1984)|date=28 November 1984|access-date=11 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20253703.html|title=Dockyard's fate was sealed a year before its closure|website=irishexaminer.com|date=28 December 2013|access-date=11 March 2025}}

Meanwhile, Isolda was acquired in 1977 from the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Renamed {{ship|LÉ|Setanta|A15}}, she served as a training ship until 1984.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2016/1008/822265-new-irish-navy-training-ship/|website=rte.ie|title=Isolde Becomes Setanta|access-date=18 March 2025}} A Danish stern trawler Helen Basse was leased for a year in 1977 as the {{ship|LÉ|Ferdia|A16}}. By the 1980s, the three minesweepers were showing their age and were withdrawn from service by 1987.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1988-10-27/3/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Estimates for Public Services 1989, and Public Capital Programme, 1989: Motion (Resumed). (Dáil Éireann Debate – Thursday, 27 October 1988)|date=27 October 1988|access-date=13 March 2025}} As replacements, in 1988 the government purchased two {{sclass|Peacock|patrol vessel}}s from the Royal Navy's Hong Kong Squadron, which were renamed {{ship|LÉ|Orla|P41|6}} and {{ship|LÉ|Ciara|P42|6}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/naval-service/fleet/coastal-patrol-vessel|website=defence.ie|title=You are here: Naval Service > History > Coastal Patrol Vessel|access-date=13 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508011444/https://www.military.ie/naval-service/fleet/coastal-patrol-vessel|archive-date=8 May 2012}} The 50th anniversary of the Irish Naval Service took place in 1996, which included a fleet review by President Mary Robinson.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2016/0706/800540-irish-naval-service-50th-anniversary/|publisher=RTÉ|website=rte.ie|title=RTÉ Archives - Saluting 50 Years Of The Irish Navy (1996)|accessdate=3 December 2022}}

In the late 1990s, the government commissioned Appledore Shipbuilders to construct a new class of larger patrol vessels. In December 1999, {{ship|LÉ|Róisín|P51|6}} was delivered to the Naval Service, followed in September 2001 by {{ship|LÉ|Niamh|P52|6}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/naval-service/fleet/large-patrol-vessel|website=defence.ie|title=You are here: Naval Service > History > Large Patrol Vessel|access-date=18 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508011300/https://www.military.ie/naval-service/fleet/large-patrol-vessel|archive-date=8 May 2012}} LÉ Deirdre was decommissioned the same year.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/archives/2021/0531/1225103-le-deirdre-to-be-a-luxury-yacht/|website=rte.ie|title=Irish Naval Ship Sold|date=14 June 2001|access-date=18 March 2025}} On 1 October 2005, An Slua Muirí was reorganised into the Naval Service Reserve.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/reserve-defence-forces/naval-service-reserve/about-naval-service-reserve/|title=About the Army Reserve|publisher=Defence Forces Ireland|access-date=1 April 2025}}

File:Best 18 (9576262758).jpg in 2013]]

In 2010, Appledore was again commissioned to construct two new patrol vessels to VARD Marine's PV90 design.{{cite web|url=https://vardmarine.com/services/case-studies/parent-vessel-design-scaling-case-study/|website=vardmarine.com|title=Parent Vessel Design Scaling Case Study|access-date=4 April 2025}} The new ships were 12m longer than the Róisín class patrol vessels, allowing for a longer deck area to accommodate unmanned submersibles, a diving chamber, or UAVs.{{cite news|author=Sean O'Riordan|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/navy-ships-to-carry-deep-sea-robot-subs-194909.html|title=Navy ships to carry deep sea robot subs|newspaper=Irish Examiner|issn=1393-9564|location=Cork|language=en|date=24 May 2012|access-date=24 April 2014|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160329/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20194909.html |url-status=live }} In a very controversial decision, the government broke from tradition and decided to name the new ships after Irish writers.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/decision-to-name-navy-patrol-ships-after-writers-defended-1.1784185|title=Decision to name Navy patrol ships after writers defended|date=5 May 2014|newspaper=The Irish Times|issn=0791-5144|location=Dublin|language=en|access-date=18 March 2025}} The first, {{ship|LÉ|Samuel Beckett|P61|6}}, was delivered in April 2014 replacing the decommissioned LÉ Emer.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/naval-service/the-fleet/le-samuel-beckett-p61/|website=military.ie|title=LÉ Samuel Beckett P61|access-date=18 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0430/613929-le-samuel-beckett/|website=rte.ie|title=Navy's newest ship LÉ Samuel Beckett sails into Cork|date=30 April 2014|access-date=18 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0920/475424-le-emer/|website=rte.ie|title=Navy's oldest vessel LÉ Emer decommissioned in Cork|date=20 September 2013|access-date=18 March 2025}}

The second, {{ship|LÉ|James Joyce|P62|6}} arrived in September 2015 to replace the decommissioned LÉ Aoife.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/naval-service/the-fleet/le-james-joyce-p62/|website=military.ie|title=LÉ James Joyce P62|access-date=18 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2014/1127/663095-le-aoife/|website=rte.ie|title=Naval vessel LÉ Aoife to be sold at auction next year|date=27 November 2014|access-date=18 March 2025}}

The option for a third, {{ship|LÉ|William Butler Yeats|P63|6}}, was exercised in June 2014 and commissioned in October 2016 to replace the LÉ Aisling.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/naval-service/the-fleet/le-william-b-yeats-p63/|website=military.ie|title=LÉ William Butler Yeats P63|access-date=18 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2016/1017/824698-le-william-butler-yeats/|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|date=17 October 2016|title=LÉ William Butler Yeats formally enters service|access-date=26 August 2017|archive-date=27 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827044248/https://www.rte.ie/news/2016/1017/824698-le-william-butler-yeats/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2017/0516/875454-no-reserve-price-was-set-for-sale-of-the-le-aisling/|website=rte.ie|title=Dáil told LÉ Aisling cost €380,000 to maintain since June|date=16 May 2017|access-date=18 March 2025}}

A fourth, {{ship|LÉ|George Bernard Shaw|P64|6}}, was also ordered and entered service in October 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/naval-service/the-fleet/le-george-b-shaw-p64/|website=military.ie|title=LÉ George Bernard Shaw P64|access-date=18 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2019/0430/1046694-transplant-naval-ceremony/|title=Naval vessel named after George Bernard Shaw in ceremony|website=rte.ie|date=30 April 2019|access-date=18 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/le-george-bernard-shaw-launch-waterford-4612805-Apr2019/|title=Ireland's fourth offshore patrol vessel, the LÉ George Bernard Shaw, has been officially commissioned|date=30 April 2019|first=Stephen|last=McDermott|work=TheJournal.ie|location=Dublin|access-date=30 April 2019|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160358/https://www.thejournal.ie/le-george-bernard-shaw-launch-waterford-4612805-Apr2019/|url-status=live }}

While Naval Service ships typically operate in Irish waters, they have provided resupply missions to Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon, Cyprus, the Balkans, Eritrea and Liberia. In 2002, LÉ Niamh travelled to the far east in a trade mission, visiting India, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Korea, and Japan, resupplying Irish peacekeepers in Eritrea enroute. During the cruise, she became the first Irish naval ship to transit the Suez Canal and cross the Equator.{{cite web|url=http://raco.ie/attachments/067_1_1_navalgazing.pdf|title=The Voyage of LE Niamh|last1=Hessinger|first1=Robyn|website=raco.ie|publisher=Representative Association of Commissioned Officers|access-date=2 April 2025}} In 2006, LÉ Eithne travelled to Argentina to attend commemorations of Irish-born Admiral William Brown, founder of the Argentine Navy, in the first-ever deployment of an Irish naval ship to the southern hemisphere. She also visited ports in Uruguay and Brazil, and brought back a statue of Brown which is erected on Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin.{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/naval/archive/eithne_diary/dep.htm|title=Voyage diary: L.É. Eithne departs for Buenos Aires, Argentina|access-date=2 April 2025|author=Mark Mellett|date=February 2006|publisher=Irish Naval Service|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060428024742/http://www.military.ie/naval/archive/eithne_diary/dep.htm|archive-date=28 April 2006}} In 2010, LÉ Niamh travelled to Latin America attend bicentenary independence celebrations in a trade and diplomatic mission. During her trip she visited Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and the United States, and became the first Irish naval ship to transit the Straits of Magellan and the Panama Canal, and the first to sail in the Pacific Ocean.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0714/133333-naval/|website=rte.ie|title=LE Niamh to return from Latin America mission|date=14 July 2010|access-date=2 April 2025}}

From 2015 to 2018, the Naval Service deployed a ship eleven times to the Mediterranean to provide humanitarian assistance because of the European migrant crisis, firstly in a bilateral agreement with Italy under Operation Pontus,{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/irish-navy-to-join-eu-migrant-search-and-rescue-operation-1.3148771|title=Irish Navy to join EU migrant search-and-rescue operation|date=10 July 2017|newspaper=The Irish Times|issn=0791-5144|location=Dublin|language=en|access-date=2 November 2018|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116051151/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/irish-navy-to-join-eu-migrant-search-and-rescue-operation-1.3148771|url-status=live}} and latterly with the European Union's Operation Sophia, rescuing over 18,000 illegal migrants.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2018-01-23/138/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Naval Service Operations (Dáil Éireann Debate – Tuesday, 23 January 2018)|date=23 January 2018|access-date=20 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2024/0112/1426020-irish-naval-service-personnel-retention-crisis-salaries-humanitarian-missions/|website=rte.ie|title=Will new pay measures help retention in the Irish Naval Service?|date=12 January 2024|access-date=20 March 2025}}

Participation in Operation Sophia was controversial as it required approval by the so-called "triple lock" process.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2017/0709/888892-ireland-naval-operations/|website=rte.ie|title=Govt to consider change in status to naval operations in Mediterranean|date=14 July 2017|access-date=20 March 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/concern-as-cabinet-approves-irish-navy-role-in-eu-military-operation-1.3151383|title=Concern as Cabinet approves Irish Navy role in EU military operation|date=11 July 2017|newspaper=The Irish Times|issn=0791-5144|location=Dublin|language=en|access-date=2 November 2018|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213160331/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/concern-as-cabinet-approves-irish-navy-role-in-eu-military-operation-1.3151383|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f392a5-minister-kehoe-secures-dail-approval-for-deployment-of-defence-force/|website=gov.ie|publisher=Irish Government|title=Minister Kehoe Secures Dáil Approval For Deployment of Defence Forces To Eu Naval Mission - Operation Sophia|date=12 July 2017|access-date=20 March 2025}}

The Naval Service's participation ended due to a shortage of operational ships as one third of fleet were in refit or maintenance, and there were insufficient numbers of technical and specialist personnel.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2019/0709/1061087-navy/|website=rte.ie|title=Irish naval vessels will not patrol Mediterranean Sea|date=9 July 2019|access-date=20 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2019-07-09/4/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (Dáil Éireann Debate – Tuesday, 9 July 2019)|date=9 July 2019|access-date=20 March 2025}}

In March 2022, the government announced the purchase of two retired RNZN inshore patrol vessels.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b679d-announcement-of-the-purchase-of-two-inshore-patrol-vessels-ipvs-from-the-new-zealand-government/|title=Announcement of the purchase of two Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) from the New Zealand Government|publisher=Department of Defence|website=gov.ie|date=13 March 2022|accessdate=14 April 2024}} The government statement also announced the withdrawal of the LÉ Orla, LÉ Ciara and LÉ Eithne from service, which were later decommissioned in July.{{cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/irish-navy-decommission-eithne-orla-ciara-5805258-Jul2022/|website=journal.ie|title=The Naval Service is retiring three ships next week - and one might become a floating museum|date=1 July 2022|access-date=20 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/07/08/irish-navy-decommissions-a-third-of-its-fleet/|publisher=Irish Times|website=irishtimes.com|title=Irish Navy decommissions a third of its fleet|date=8 July 2022|accessdate=8 July 2022}} The loss of LÉ Eithne represented a serious degradation in the service's operational capability given she was the only ship that was capable of operating a helicopter and had onboard sonar capabilities.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2024/0305/1436205-le-eithne/|website=rte.ie|title=Irish Naval Service says 'sad goodbye' to LÉ Eithne|date=6 March 2024|access-date=20 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41421892.html|website=irishexaminer.com|title=Irish navy is now at two thirds of its full strength|date=23 June 2024|access-date=20 March 2025}}

The two new inshore patrol vessels, {{ship|LÉ|Aoibhinn|P71|6}} and {{ship|LÉ|Gobnait|P72|6}}, were commissioned into service in September 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/aaff7-tanaiste-micheal-martin-unveils-new-naval-service-vessels/|title=Tánaiste Micheál Martin unveils new Naval Service vessels and confirms extension of the Sea-going Naval Personnel Tax Credit|publisher=Department of Defence|website=gov.ie|date=4 September 2024|accessdate=4 September 2024}} Due to their small size, the two ships are intended to be used for fishery protection patrols in the Irish Sea, and based in an east coast base.{{cite web|url=https://afloat.ie/port-news/navy/item/64265-no-decision-made-on-location-for-new-navy-base-for-26m-ships|website=afloat.ie|title=Defence Forces Have No Decision Made on Location of New East Coast Navy Base for €26m Cutters|date=7 August 2024|accessdate=20 March 2025}}

The decommissioning of three ships did not resolve the growing "manpower crisis" in the Naval Service, as in January 2023 LÉ Róisín and LÉ Niamh, one third of the fleet, were placed into operational reserve.{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2023-02-02/2/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Priority Questions (Dáil Éireann Debate – Thursday, 2 February 2023)|date=2 February 2023|access-date=20 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/navy-ships-tied-up-roisin-niamh-5978870-Jan2023/|website=thejournal.ie|publisher=Journal Media Ltd|title=Two naval ships to be tied up as staffing crisis deepens in Irish Navy|date=25 January 2023|accessdate=29 January 2023|first=Niall|last=O'Connor}}

Later that year, two additional ships, LÉ James Joyce and LÉ George Bernard Shaw, were also placed into reserve, leaving only two ships available for patrols.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2023/08/23/naval-service-down-to-two-ships-due-to-manpower-crisis/|publisher=Irish Times|website=irishtimes.com|title=Naval Service left with two ships to patrol Irish waters due to manpower crisis|date=23 August 2023|accessdate=25 August 2023}}

In July 2024, the Naval Service operated a "three-ship operational posture", with the four P60 class vessels on patrol in operational rotation (two operational and one standby), while the two P50 vessels were under refit or in reserve.{{cite web|url = https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2024-07-02/22/ | website = oireachtas.ie | title = Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 2 Jul 2024 - Vol. 1056 No. 6 - Other Questions | date = 2 July 2024 | accessdate = 8 November 2024 | quote = The Naval Service is currently adopting a three-ship operational posture, which sees the four P60 class vessels on patrol in operational rotation [..] In addition [..] the LÉ Róisín is currently in operational reserve while the LÉ Niamh is in the process of completing a mid-life extension programme, after which she will enter operational reserve }}{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2023-10-03/126/|publisher=Dáil Éireann Hansard|title=Parliamentary Questions (Naval Service Dáil Éireann Debate – Tuesday, 3 October 2023)|date=3 October 2023|access-date=20 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/only-two-irish-naval-vessels-operational/|website=ukdefencejournal.org.uk|title=Only two Irish Naval vessels operational|date=15 October 2023|accessdate=20 March 2025}}

In January 2025, due to only having one naval ordnance technician left, the LÉ George Bernard Shaw had to go to sea with its main armament, OTO Melara 76mm, non-functional.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/01/11/naval-service-goes-to-sea-without-working-guns-as-maritime-threats-mount/|website=irishtimes.com|title=Naval Service goes to sea without working guns as maritime threats mount|date=11 January 2025|accessdate=20 March 2025}} The reduced operational capability of the Naval Service has meant that the number of patrol days has halved between 2020 and 2024 to 428 days.{{cite web|url=https://afloat.ie/port-news/navy/item/66347-number-of-patrol-days-carried-out-by-naval-service-more-than-halved|website=afloat.ie|title=Number of Patrol Days by Naval Service More Than Halved Since 2020|date=17 February 2025|accessdate=20 March 2025}}

{{Main|Structure of the Irish Defence Forces}}

File:Commodore Michael Malone.png

The Naval Service is headed by Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service (FOCNS) Commodore Michael Malone who is based at Naval Headquarters (NHQ) in Naval Base Haulbowline. NHQ oversees all aspects of the Naval Service, with a number of commands under it: Naval Operations Command (NOC) and Naval Support Command (NSC). The Naval College, like the DFTC is of an equal footing with the two commands, with all three headed by an officer commanding who report directly to the FOCNS of NHQ. Commodore Malone is the first marine engineer to be appointed as FOCNS, his prior appointment was as Officer Commanding Naval Support Command (OCNSC).

{{main|Naval Operations Command (Ireland)}}

Naval Operations Command is the principal command component of the Irish Naval Service responsible for all day-to-day activities of the service, both at sea and on shore. One of three major command components of the NS this command is responsible for overseeing the work and mission objectives of all Irish naval vessels at sea who report directly to Naval Operations Command at Naval Base Haulbowline. The command is a direct subordinate to NHQ and is overseen by Officer Commanding Naval Operations Command (OCNOC). The OCNOC reports directly to the head of the Irish Naval Service, the FOCNS.

{{main|Naval Support Command (Ireland)}}

Naval Support Command oversees the personnel, logistical and technical resources of the NS, allowing the service to meet its operational and training commitments. Ship procurement, maintenance, repair, provisions, ordnance, food, fuel, personnel and transportation are handled by Naval Support Command. Naval Support Command is headed by Officer Commanding Naval Support Command and reports directly to the FOCNS.

{{main|Naval College (Ireland)}}

The Naval College is the principal naval military college in Ireland providing training to cadets, NCOs and recruits of the Irish Naval Service. The Naval College trains and educates personnel for service, providing a mixture of different courses ranging from officer training right through to naval engineering. The Naval College is based out of the Naval Service's headquarters at Naval Base Haulbowline but also provides classes and lessons in non-military naval training at the nearby National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy.{{cite web

|url=https://www.nmci.ie/index.cfm/page/ins

|publisher=National Maritime College of Ireland

|title=Irish Naval Service Course Details

|access-date=2 January 2017

|archive-date=3 January 2017

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103094858/https://www.nmci.ie/index.cfm/page/ins

|url-status=live

}}

The Naval College contains a number of schools providing specialist courses including the Officer Training School, the Military and Naval Operational Training School and the School of Naval Engineering. The Officer Commanding Naval College reports directly to the FOCNS.

The Naval Service Reserve is the part-time, volunteer reserve force of the Naval Service, with an established strength of 200 personnel. The Reserve provides port security and supplements the crews of Naval Service vessels. Four new motor launches have been ordered for the NSR, which will be built by FM Marine Services. These will be the first naval vessels built in Ireland since the LÉ Eithne in 1984. The first, Fionnghuala, was launched in December 2024.

The Naval Service has a number of specialist units that handle unique and varied tasks within the service.

File:Naval Service Dive Team (13062306065).jpg]]

{{main|Naval Service Diving Section}}

The Naval Service Diving Section (NSDS) (Irish: Rannóg Tumadóireachta na Seirbháse Cabhlaigh), formally part of NOC's shore operations section, is a specialist unit of the Irish Naval Service, a branch of the Defence Forces, the military of Ireland. The Naval Service Diving Section specialises in underwater diving tasks for the Naval Service, and since its formation in 1964 has become Ireland's most advanced diving team, aiding other state agencies in various specialist roles.{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/naval/specialists/divers/index.htm|title=Naval Service Specialists – Diving Section|year=2009|access-date=1 October 2009|publisher=Irish Naval Service|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909073152/http://www.military.ie/naval/specialists/divers/index.htm|archive-date=9 September 2009}}

Various mission roles of the NSDS include search and recovery, underwater survey, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) underwater engineering and military diving training. They have conducted combat diving training for Army Ranger Wing members after selecting combat diving as a speciality.{{cite web

|url=http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/Combat_Diving.htm

|title=Special Operations' Irish Army Rangers Combat Diving Page

|access-date=1 October 2009

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228002848/http://www.specialoperations.com/Foreign/Ireland/Rangers/Combat_Diving.htm

|archive-date=28 December 2008

}}

The Naval Intelligence Cell, part of the NOC's Intelligence and Fisheries Section, is responsible for the collection, collation and dissemination of naval intelligence and is the naval component of the Defence Forces' Directorate of Military Intelligence.{{cite web

|title=Naval Operations Command

|url=http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/naval-operations-command/

|access-date=2 January 2017

|publisher=Irish Defence Forces

|archive-date=27 March 2019

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102720/http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/naval-operations-command/

|url-status=live

}}

The Fishery Monitoring Centre, part of the NOC's Intelligence and Fisheries Section, oversees the identification, monitoring and surveillance of fisheries vessels in Irish waters as part of the Vessel Monitoring System. The Fishery Monitoring Centre coordinates with fisheries agencies in other countries.

{{cite web

|title=Fisheries Monitoring Centre

|url=http://www.military.ie/en/naval-service/organisation/specialist-units/fisheries-monitoring-centre/

|access-date=1 January 2017

|publisher=Irish Defence Forces

}}

The Naval Service's military roles and the functions it carries out are more those of a coast guard rather than that of a conventional navy.MacCarron (2004), p.37 Lacking both anti-submarine and anti-aircraft capabilities, and without standoff weapons such as surface-to-surface missiles, the Naval Service's ability to control Ireland's territorial waters and provide close naval support is extremely limited.{{original research inline|date=April 2014}} Sea lift is also limited and ad hoc.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}} The Naval Service's non-military capabilities in aid to the civil power and other government departments is fishery protection, search and rescue, drugs interdiction and dive support.

As of September 2024, the Naval Service fleet included four offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), two large patrol vessels (LPVs), and two inshore patrol vessels (IPVs).{{cite web|url = https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/naval-service/the-fleet/ | website = military.ie | title = Naval Service - The Fleet | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20240414200720/https://www.military.ie/en/who-we-are/naval-service/the-fleet/ | archivedate = 14 April 2024 | quote = The current fleet comprises four (4) Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and two (2) Large Patrol Vessels (LPV) [..] The fleet will soon be augmented with two (2) Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV) }}

{{Active Irish Naval Service Vessels}}

The Naval Service also operates smaller training vessels and rigid-hulled inflatable boats.

Air assets to support naval patrols are provided by the Air Corps with their two Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft and AW139 helicopters operated from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, County Dublin.

In July 2015, the Irish Naval Service began using an Irish-based satellite communications system for its fleet, with new systems and equipment installed on all vessels. The Irish National Space Centre (NSC) at Elfordstown, Midleton, County Cork, and County Wicklow based company Voyager IP provided the contract.{{cite news |last1=O'Riordan |first1=Sean |title=Irish firms to man Navy system |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/irish-firms-to-man-navy-system-341713.html |access-date=10 July 2015 |newspaper=Irish Examiner |issn=1393-9564 |location=Cork |language=en |date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=10 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710194256/http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/irish-firms-to-man-navy-system-341713.html |url-status=live }}

In 2010, the government ordered the first of four Samuel Beckett class OPVs. These purchases were informed by a Whitepaper on Defence which expected acquisition of three new naval vessels over 10 years from 2015 to 2025.{{cite news |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/fund-defence-tzo-prevent-terror-attacks-says-simon-coveney-350477.html |newspaper=Irish Examiner |issn=1393-9564 |location=Cork |language=en |title='Fund Defence to prevent terror attacks' says Simon Coveney |date=27 August 2015 |access-date=29 August 2015 |archive-date=26 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126190758/http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/fund-defence-tzo-prevent-terror-attacks-says-simon-coveney-350477.html |url-status=live }} As well as the acquired and ordered OPVs, the whitepaper covered a multi-role vessel (MRV) – which would be potentially enabled for helicopter operations and have a freight carrying capacity – to replace the flagship LÉ Eithne.

In 2017, a delegation of Department of Defence (DoD) officials and members of the Defence Forces visited New Zealand to inspect the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) multi-role vessel {{HMNZS|Canterbury|L421|6}}; it was suggested that a vessel of this type, capable of accommodating and deploying a full infantry company either by landing craft or helicopter, and with a fully equipped hospital, was what the Defence Forces needed for the type of military and humanitarian missions undertaken by Ireland.{{cite web |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/navy-considers-200m-multi-role-ship-460791.html |title=Navy considers €200m multi-role ship |last=O'Riordan |first=Sean |newspaper=Irish Examiner |issn=1393-9564 |location=Cork |language=en |date=12 October 2017 |access-date=1 November 2017 |archive-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011636/http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/navy-considers-200m-multi-role-ship-460791.html |url-status=live }} Plans expected that LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla be replaced with similar vessels, but with counter-mine and counter-IED capabilities.{{Cite report |date=August 2015 |title=White Paper on Defence 2015 |url=http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/WP2015E |publisher=Department of Defence (Ireland) |page=68 |access-date=29 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201032254/http://www.defence.ie/WebSite.nsf/WP2015E |archive-date=1 February 2017 |url-status=dead }} In August 2021, the Irish Examiner reported that the DoD was considering acquiring two former RNZN Lake-class inshore patrol vessels. These vessels would be based on the east coast and operate mainly in the Irish Sea with the primary role of fisheries protection in light of Brexit.{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40357757.html|title=Department of Defence looking to buy New Zealand naval ships|newspaper=Irish Examiner|issn=1393-9564 |location=Cork|language=en|date=2021-08-12|access-date=2021-12-13|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125214306/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40357757.html|url-status=live}}

On 14 March 2022, the DoD announced the acquisition of two such retired RNZN vessels, HMNZS Rotoiti and HMNZS Pukaki, for €26 million, to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara and with the expectation that they would require less crew to operate. Intended to enter service in 2024,{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41092465.html| website = irishexaminer.com | publisher = Irish Examiner | first = Niamh | last = Griffin | title = New Zealand transfers two patrol ships to Ireland at cost of €26m | date = 14 March 2023 | accessdate = 14 March 2023 }} the two vessels arrived in Ireland in May 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/new-zealand-ireland-navy-new-boats-6067315-May2023/|title = Two new Irish Naval vessels to arrive into Cork Harbour tomorrow|date = 13 May 2023}} On 5 April 2024, the DoD announced that the new vessels would be named LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/2aa5b-tanaiste-and-minister-for-defence-micheal-martin-td-names-the-two-naval-service-inshore-patrol-vessels-ipvs/|title=Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD names the two Naval Service Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) | publisher = Department of Defence | website = gov.ie |date=5 April 2024|accessdate=14 April 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2024/0405/1441865-naval-ships/|website=rte.ie|publisher = RTÉ News | title = Tánaiste names two navy ships LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait|date=5 April 2024|accessdate=5 April 2024}} On 4 September 2024, the two vessels were commissioned into service.

File:Irish Naval Service badges, museum.jpg]]

File:Irish Naval jack.JPG

The following vessels have served in the service's fleet:{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/naval-service/history/fleet-history |title=History; Naval Service |publisher=Irish Defence Forces |access-date=24 April 2014}}

• {{ship|LÉ|Macha|01}} (1946–1970)
• {{ship|LÉ|Maev|02}} (1946–1972)
• {{ship|LÉ|Cliona|03}} (1947–1970)
• {{ship|LÉ|Grainne|CM10}} (1971–1987)
• {{ship|LÉ|Banba|CM11}} (1971–1984)
• {{ship|LÉ|Fola|CM12}} (1971–1987)
• {{ship|LÉ|Deirdre|P20}} (1972–2001)
• {{ship|LÉ|Setanta|A15}} (1976–1984)
• {{ship|LÉ|Ferdia|A16}} (1977–1978)
• {{ship|LÉ|Emer|P21}} (1978–2013)
• {{ship|LÉ|Aoife|P22}} (1979–2015)
• {{ship|LÉ|Aisling|P23}} (1980–2016)
• {{ship|LÉ|Eithne|P31}} (1984–2022)
• {{ship|LÉ|Orla|P41}} (1989–2022)
• {{ship|LÉ|Ciara|P42}} (1989–2022)

{{main article|Irish Defence Forces rank insignia}}

As of April 2023, there were 764 personnel in the Naval Service, and 77 in the Naval Service Reserve. The Naval Service is headed by a general officer commanding (GOC) known as the "flag officer commanding the naval service" (FOCNS), who holds the rank of commodore.{{cite web|title=Naval Service > Organisation|url=http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/|publisher=Defence Forces Ireland|access-date=12 July 2015|archive-date=1 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701201945/http://www.military.ie/naval-service/organisation/|url-status=live}} Non-military training takes place alongside Mercantile Marine personnel at the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy, near to the Haulbowline base.{{cite web|url=http://www.nmci.ie/index.cfm/page/historyofnauticaltraininginire |title=History of Nautical Training in Ireland |publisher=National Maritime College of Ireland |access-date=24 April 2014}}

{{Irish Naval Service rank insignia}}

• Irish Coast Guard
• Marine Institute Ireland
• List of Irish state vessels
• List of navies

• {{cite book|last=McIvor|first=Aidan|title=A History of the Irish Naval Service|publisher=Irish Academic Press|year=1994|isbn=0-7165-2523-2|location=Dublin}}
• {{cite book|title=The Irish Navy: What a Life!|last=Brady|first=Jim|publisher=Anchor Press|location=Dublin|year=1996|isbn=0-9528447-0-2}}
• {{cite book|title=The Long Watch|last=Forde|first=Frank|publisher=New Island Books|location=Dublin|isbn=1-902602-42-0|orig-year=1981|year=2000}}
• {{cite book|last=MacGinty|first=Tom|title=The Irish Navy|publisher=The Kerryman|location=Tralee|year=1995|isbn=0-946277-22-2}}
• {{cite book|last=MacCarron|first=Donal|title=The Irish Defence Forces since 1922|date=2004|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781841767420}}
• {{cite book|last=Duggan|first=John P.|title=A History of the Irish Army|year=1991|publisher=Gill & Macmillan|isbn=0-7171-1957-2}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

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{{commons category|Irish Naval Service}}

• [http://www.military.ie Official Defence Forces website]
• [http://www.military.ie/naval-service/ Official Naval Service website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090528085144/http://www.mii.connect.ie/history/mii/mii.html Maritime Institute of Ireland – History]

{{Irish Naval Service |state=expanded}}

{{Irish Defence Forces}}

{{Navies in Europe}}

Category:1946 establishments in Ireland

Category:Military of the Republic of Ireland