Ireland needs a plan to protect its undersea cables and government wants your views
Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris is launching the
public consultation for the National Maritime Security Strategy
.
Government have said that the strategy will map out Ireland's approach to maritime security over the next five years, with a particular focus on dealing with emerging threats and vulnerabilities and protecting our subsea infrastructure.
The document's public consultation phase has been announced in the context of a more dynamic fervour for defence in Europe.
The Journal
has learned that a major contract has been agreed and due to be announced for the provision of Sonar for the Irish Naval Service. That will likely be announced in the coming week.
In December 2022 Micheál Martin, who was then Taoiseach, said that a National Security Strategy was being worked on.
Public consultation began
in December 2019.
Earlier this year
The Journal
reported that the National Security Strategy
had been further delayed
.
In February the Taoiseach said that
there would be pressure
on Ireland to increase Defence capability.
Security and civil service sources have said that this has caused a more urgent atmosphere across State institutions.
Advertisement
The public consultation will run over the next four weeks with the Tánaiste today inviting submissions from interested individuals or groups.
The new maritime security strategy is expected to be published before the end of the year and is likely to focus on security of critical undersea infrastructure such as internet and electrical cables.
Simon Harris said: 'As an island nation with one of the largest sea areas in Europe, it is absolutely vital that we have a robust and effective maritime security strategy in place.
'This strategy will be crucial to assessing any potential threats and vulnerabilities with a particular focus on protecting our undersea infrastructure.
'As such, this public consultation that I am launching today marks a critical opportunity to shape Ireland's approach to safeguarding our waters.
'We want to encourage an open, constructive dialogue and this will enable us to build consensus on the diverse threats, risks, challenges and opportunities being faced by the country,' he said.
The Department of Defence said this morning that it will be the first strategy of its kind to identify and prioritise the risks and threats Ireland faces in the maritime domain, and will include a plan to address the most urgent and immediate concerns.
Ireland has one of the largest maritime EEZ in the EU, with a maritime area that is seven times our land area.
Approximately 78 per cent of Ireland's energy needs is imported on ships or via pipelines and 90 per cent of Irelands trade by volume is transported by the sea.
More than 95 per cent of international data and voice transfers are routed through undersea fibre optic cables and the majority of transatlantic data passes through cables situated in Ireland's EEZ. Approximately 80 per cent of the country's population live in coastal counties.
The research and lead agency for the development of the strategy will be the Department of Defence's Maritime Security Unit.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
'We don't know the taste of sleep': Gaza City in peril as Israel plans to seize control
CONDITIONS IN GAZA City are rapidly deteriorating as Israel plans to capture full control of the city and force out its residents, with Palestinians in the area describing ever-worsening hardships. Israeli attacks killed at least 40 people in Gaza yesterday, according to Gaza's Civil Defence Agency. At the same time as Israel's fatal attacks on Gaza continue, Israel is planning to seize full control of Gaza City, forcing Palestinians to southern parts of Gaza. Earlier this week, the Irish government joined 26 other countries in a collective statement decrying that suffering in Gaza has reached 'unimaginable levels'. 'Famine is unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation,' said the statement, signed for Ireland by Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris. 'Humanitarian space must be protected, and aid should never be politicised,' it said. Gaza's civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said conditions in Gaza City are rapidly deteriorating, especially in the Zeitun neighbourhood, with residents having little to no access to food and water amid heavy Israeli bombardment. Advertisement The spokesman added that about 50,000 people are estimated to be in that area of Gaza City, 'the majority of whom are without food or water' and arelacking 'the basic necessities of life'. In recent days, Gaza City residents have reported more frequent air strikes targeting residential areas, including Zeitun, while earlier this week, Hamas denounced 'aggressive' Israeli ground incursions. Earlier this month, the Israeli government approved plans to seize Gaza City and neighbouring camps, some of the most densely populated parts of the territory. On Friday, the Israeli military confirmed its troops were operating in Zeitun. Ghassan Kashko, 40, who shelters with his family at a school building in the neighbourhood, said: 'We don't know the taste of sleep.' He said air strikes and tank shelling were causing 'explosions… that don't stop'. Hamas said in a statement that Israeli forces had been carrying out a 'sustained offensive in the eastern and southern neighbourhoods of Gaza City, particularly in Zeitun'. It said the military was targeting the area with warplanes, artillery and drones. The Israeli plan to expand the war has received international condemnation as well as domestic opposition. UN-backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in Gaza, where Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows in. Related Reads Baby girl killed with her parents in Israeli airstrike on Gaza 'They're too malnourished to treat': Marion McKeone meets an NHS nurse working in Gaza According to the civil defence agency, at least 13 of the 40 Palestinians killed yesterday were shot by Israeli troops as they were waiting to collect food aid near distribution sites in the north and in the south. Israel has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians since October 2023. Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson denounced Israel's takeover plan this week and also took aim at world leaders who are not doing enough to try to stop the devastation in Gaza. 'Governments that are not using all the tools at their disposal to halt the unfolding genocide in Gaza are increasingly complicit,' Robinson said. 'Political leaders have the power and the legal obligation to apply measures to pressure this Israeli government to end its atrocity crimes,' she said. 'This is all the more urgent in light of Prime Minister Netanyahu's Gaza City takeover plan. President Trump has the leverage to compel a change of course. He must use it now.' Additional reporting by AFP Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
13 hours ago
- The Journal
First-time TD Barry Heneghan on making a splash, that Lowry photo, and his thoughts on Paul Murphy
AS WE CONTINUE to catch up with some of Ireland's newest TDs on their experiences so far, this time around we hear from one who has had a more explosive entry into political life than most. Independent TD Barry Heneghan's name was quick to gain national prominence, not alone because his victory in Dublin Bay North was largely unexpected but also due to his decision to support the government as part of the Regional Independents. At 26 years of age, Heneghan was not long finished his master's degree in sustainable energy systems when he successfully ran in last year's local and then general election. From the beginning, he has been open about the fact former minister of state Finian McGrath has been a mentor — a photo of McGrath was even included in Heneghan's election leaflets. Having run on a platform of 'practical progressive policies' he faced heavy criticism online for some of his decisions after becoming a TD. Heneghan spoke to The Journal about his decision to support the parties in government, the criticism of his relationship with Michael Lowry, and the lessons he has learned so far. Is life as a TD what you expected? 'Listen, I knew being a TD was going to be demanding. And in reality, it can be pretty intense and long hours, especially because I don't have a work phone. 'So I'm always available, and I always want to be available,' Heneghan said. 'I think it's very important for you to be accessible. If someone rings me at any time, they will get through to me or my answering machine. And I always do ring back.' Since entering Leinster House, Heneghan has courted his fair share of controversy. He was criticised by fellow TDs and by some online for his role in the speaking rights row and his willingness to work with Independent TD Michael Lowry as part of the Regional Independents technical group. As a self-declared 'left-wing' politician, Heneghan was also heavily criticised for choosing to nominate controversial senator Sharon Keogan for reelection to the Seanad . Asked if he would do anything differently if given a second opportunity, Heneghan said: 'One of the biggest things that my eyes have been open to is social media and real life are two different things. You can get a lot of slack on social media, but when you walk around your constituency, when you knock on doors, that's what really matters.' Heneghan admitted that he did get 'a few emails' over his nomination of Keogan. 'There's a reason she tops the poll, she helps Independent councillors. She helped me help people, so I nominated her. She works hard. 'Now I don't agree with some of her policies, I think it's clear from what I've stood up for and fought for in the Dáil, but I do agree with her work rate,' Heneghan said. On his relationship with Michael Lowry, Heneghan said his 'only loyalty' is to his constituents in Dublin Bay North. 'As I've continuously said, my support of the government is all about delivering for North Dublin,' Heneghan said. Advertisement He added: 'Obviously, I could have done without being in a certain photo here or there, but listen, you live and you learn.' Asked if this was a reference to the video, and then screenshot, of Michael Lowry giving two fingers to fellow TD Paul Murphy in the Dáil chamber, where Heneghan is seen standing beside him, Heneghan said it was. 'A photo can mislead people. If you looked at the full video it's very clear that I didn't see the two fingers. I was getting intimidated by someone who had continuously attacked me online, and I said, 'Hi Paul', and waved at him. 'I always say hi to people who try intimidate me because I'm here to fight for Dublin Bay North. If he wants to try intimidate me and push me to make me less impactful, he has another thing coming,' Heneghan said. A screenshot from the now infamous two fingers video. Paul Murphy's X Paul Murphy's X Following that incident, Heneghan moved seats in the Dáil away from Lowry and his mentor Finian McGrath told the Irish Independent that Paul Murphy was a 'pain in the ass' and should have received a harder time for using his phone to film in the chamber. Asked if he shares McGrath's view about Murphy being a 'pain in the ass', Heneghan said he thinks every side of the political spectrum should be represented in the Dáil and that he doesn't have an issue with Paul Murphy personally. 'I say hello to him, I'd chat to him and he does say hello back, I think he's a respectful TD,' Heneghan said. In that same interview, McGrath said it was a 'major cock up' to let Michael Lowry lead the Regional Independents during government formation talks. Asked if he shares this view, Heneghan rejected the notion that Lowry was the leader. 'Finian wasn't there, I was,' Heneghan said. It was put to Heneghan that Lowry was the one to represent the group any time they appeared on the plinth, and the other members of the group appeared happy with this at the time. 'If I was the main person, I wouldn't have made that decision,' Heneghan said. When asked what decision he was referring to, Heneghan said: 'It's funny how the situation was portrayed by the media' and maintained that Lowry was never the group's leader. Does that mean Finian McGrath was wrong to say what he said then? 'I can definitely understand how publicly it would not look good, yes,' Heneghan responded. When asked how his relationship with Michael Lowry is now, Heneghan said: 'I'm focused on delivering for North Dublin.' He added: 'I'm an Independent TD, I don't come here to get distracted by all these spins. I work in a technical group supporting the government. 'And I think if you ask the people of Tipperary about Michael Lowry, they'll tell you what they think, but he wouldn't have been known to me before I went into politics.' When asked if he finds it frustrating that Finian McGrath has spoken on his behalf so many times, Heneghan said he does not and that he would not be where he is without him. Related Reads Being a Gen Z TD: I've been surprised by how little ministers actually engage in debates Being a first-time TD: Martin Daly on keeping his GP practice going and his concerns about racism Being a first-time TD: I was told people like me don't go to college. This is a dream come true. 'We speak on the phone nearly every day,' Heneghan said. Peak and pit What has been the highlight of being a TD so far? 'Without question, it's getting results,' Heneghan said. He pointed to investment in A&E Beaumont Hospital as well as the government's recent strategy statement on 'private wires ' as wins delivered by him. This narrative has previously been pushed back on by Taoiseach Micheál Martin who has said the Beaumont Hospital investment was already 'on track' and denied that any specific deals were cut with Regional Independent TDs in return for their support. Another highlight for Heneghan has been canvassing in the constituency and being able to be a 'role model' for kids in his constituency. Any lowlights? 'Going from a councillor to a TD, you obviously are more recognisable. You're representing an entire constituency, there's going to be percentages of the constituency who wouldn't agree with your decisions. But as I said earlier, I'll always meet people for coffees, even if they've sent me a vicious email or if I knock on a door and someone just slams it,' Heneghan said. 'The low light is when you can't speak to someone, and when they just don't even look at you. I don't really like that.' Henghan added that another low point is the slow pace of change within the political system. Other TDs The Journal spoke to for this series pointed to the speaking rights row that dominated the beginning of this Dáil term as a low light, would Heneghan count it as one? 'In my opinion, we were really, really slow in getting that resolved. 'On the speaking rights row, wasn't everyone at the time saying I was a government TD? And then I voted against the government. So can they not see the hypocrisy there, that they were going crazy at me saying that 'I'll be with the government every way', and then I voted against them, you know?' Any surprises since becoming a TD? 'I suppose the lifestyle and going to events constantly. I wouldn't be as active as I once was, I put on a bit of a Ned Kelly for the first few months but I'm doing the Dublin Marathon raising money for the IWA [in a couple of months]. 'So I'm looking forward to that challenge, and I'll definitely be more active.' Heneghan added that as a young TD he often gets underestimated. 'But being younger obviously brings more energy, you haven't really been told no as often as other public representatives. 'And I am able to speak up for a generation and people are always happy to see me speak up.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
a day ago
- The Journal
Debunked: Viral video of Trump berating the Irish government over immigration is fabricated
IN A VIDEO showing a White House press conference, Donald Trump railed against the Irish government, calling the Taoiseach and Tánaiste 'criminals' and 'evil'. That speech, however, never happened. The footage that appears to show the US president ranting about Simon Harris and Micheál Martin has been viewed tens of thousands of times on Facebook, despite being an AI-generated hoax. The actual footage comes from a recent announcement by Trump about an investment by the US electronics company Apple. However, in the fabricated version of the video, the audio has been switched out with what appears to be an AI-generated rant against immigration in Ireland. 'You who say Irish identity, sovereignty, and culture is backward,' Trump appears to say in the hoax video, before smiling toward Apple CEO Tim Cook, standing awkwardly next to him. 'I will punish, humiliate and belittle you, for your sick globalist and woke ideology, anti-Irish agenda'. The fabricated audio, which is filled with misinformation, goes on to depicts migrants as a threat to women and children and the Irish government as EU puppets. The speech, however, is fake. The footage is an exact match for a video posted by the US Public Affairs Network C-SPAN on 6 August, in which he announced that Apple had pledged to invest $100 Billion into America. Advertisement Trump also spoke on other issues, including insulting TV hosts such as Stephen Colbert, and saying news about the administration's handling of the Epstein situation was a 'hoax'. He did not, however, address Simon Harris or Micheál Martin, or talk about immigration in Ireland during that press conference. The audio in the fabricated video appears to be generated by Artificial Intelligence software. While the accent of the speaker is American, and the tone of the voice is not unlike Trump's, it does not sound like him. The rhythm of the speech is unnatural, and sentences are broken up in odd ways that don't make sense, possibly in an attempt to keep the audio in sync with Trump's mouth movements in the video. However, despite these flaws, the video appears to have duped many people. 'Never thought I would agree with him but in this case I do', says one comment with more than 200 likes, posted under a Facebook video. A reply saying 'that's fake AI' garnered only five emoji responses. Other posts disagreed with the message in the video, but also seemed to be convinced that the footage itself was real. 'He should talk about crime,' one comment read. 'He's the biggest criminal in history.' That version of the fabricated video has been viewed more than 72,000 times since being posted to Facebook on 10 August. Want to be your own fact-checker? Visit our brand-new FactCheck Knowledge Bank for guides and toolkits The Journal's FactCheck is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network's Code of Principles. You can read it here . For information on how FactCheck works, what the verdicts mean, and how you can take part, check out our Reader's Guide here . You can read about the team of editors and reporters who work on the factchecks here . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... It is vital that we surface facts from noise. Articles like this one brings you clarity, transparency and balance so you can make well-informed decisions. We set up FactCheck in 2016 to proactively expose false or misleading information, but to continue to deliver on this mission we need your support. Over 5,000 readers like you support us. If you can, please consider setting up a monthly payment or making a once-off donation to keep news free to everyone. Learn More Support The Journal
