New laws granting Navy greater powers to combat hostile boats and protect Irish waters being brought forward

"The new national maritime security strategy launching today has identified "critical gaps" in Ireland's marine domain awareness with the state at heightened risk from foreign actors. The strategy also outlines how the current volatile international security environment has "heightened the risk of foreign actors" threatening Ireland's maritime territory for strategic advantage."

"The Government is set to fast track legislation which will give the Naval Service greater powers to act "unilaterally" and aim to have it in place ahead of Ireland's EU Presidency in July. This is expected to move through the Oireachtas before the Summer recess with an "urgent slot" requested with the Attorney General to bring the law into force."

"A drone incursion last December, during the visit of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighted Ireland's vulnerabilities and anti-drone systems have since been expedited. It is also expected that trained personnel will be in place to operate anti-drone systems by the time Ireland hosts the presidency."

Ireland's government is implementing comprehensive maritime security measures in response to identified vulnerabilities. Two naval bases will be established on east and west coasts to strengthen maritime security. A new national maritime security strategy identifies critical gaps in marine domain awareness, with heightened risks from foreign actors including surveillance, sabotage of undersea infrastructure, espionage, and hybrid operations. Legislation granting the Naval Service greater unilateral powers is being fast-tracked ahead of Ireland's EU Presidency in July. Anti-drone systems, expedited following a December drone incursion during the Ukrainian president's visit, will be operational with trained personnel in place. The strategy addresses six key objectives focused on protecting critical infrastructure and international cooperation, while also tackling organized crime threats including drug importation, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.

Read at Irish Independent