Latest news with #NationalMaritimeSecurityStrategy
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Defence Forces to increase patrols to combat Russian ships in Irish waters
The Defence Forces are to increase both air and naval patrols to combat Russian ships on illegal manoeuvres in Irish waters. The revelation was made by the Defence Minister Simon Harris as part of a new National Maritime Security Strategy that is currently being finalised. The Government will also speed up the €300 million purchase of a new radar defence system for the State along with sonar capability for its fleet. Four out of our eight naval ships are in operation at the moment but the pressure is now on to hire more recruits to get them all back out to sea. The Irish military has also signed up to the EU's Common Information Sharing Environment system which will help track all vessels coming in and out of our Atlantic Waters up to 200 miles off the west coast. The Government has been coming under increasing pressure from other European states to invest more money in defence and to keep a far closer eye on Russian activities in Irish territorial waters. It follows a year after various Russian ships made secret inclusions into the Exclusive Irish Economic Zone, as it is known, and acted suspiciously around the various international sea cables that come ashore off the west coast. Ireland is the main point linking the internet between Europe and the United States. Mr Harris has assured the public he is taking the Russian threat seriously. He said in a series of replies to parliamentary questions about Russia's activities in Irish water: "The Defence Forces routinely monitor foreign vessels with both Naval Service Assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline. Tanaiste Simon Harris "It should be noted that foreign vessels transiting Irish waters must do so in compliance with international law and may be subject to sighting and observation by the Naval Service and Air Corps without their innocent passage being infringed. "In relation to additional measures being introduced to strengthen maritime security and surveillance, My Department is working to deliver Ireland's first ever National Maritime Security Strategy. "The aim of the strategy is, amongst other things, to enhance our maritime domain awareness and to protect our critical infrastructure." Troops marching during Tanaiste Simon Harris's visit to Camp Shamrock. (Image: PA) During the past two years the Air Corps has brought into service two state-of-the-art Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The Navy has also started using the P70 Class ship to further help and enable more sea operations. The new intelligence deal with the EU will also result in more secure information being shared with Ireland. Mr Harris added: "This EU programme enables structured and secure information sharing among EU maritime authorities both civil and military, allowing for more effective operations at sea amid new and evolving maritime threats." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
RTÉ News
07-08-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
3 threats for Ireland's new maritime security strategy to examine
Analysis: The strategy comes at a time when Ireland stands at a critical juncture in defining how it will protect one of Europe's largest sea areas By the end of 2025, Ireland will have its first ever National Maritime Security Strategy, intended to set the country's priorities in this domain for the next five years. Once seablind as it failed to recognise the relevance of the maritime domain for its economy and society, Ireland has recently adapted its strategic posture, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its assertiveness in Irish waters. It's good timing as Ireland stands at a critical juncture in defining how it will protect one of Europe's largest sea areas. The nation's strategic position at the crossroads of Atlantic trade routes, combined with its role as a global technology hub, has transformed Ireland from a benign maritime periphery into a centre of international significance and, potentially, vulnerability. The waters surrounding Ireland are no longer simply scenic coastlines or mere fishing grounds. Instead, they are a complex security environment where traditional maritime threats intersect with modern challenges, ranging from cyber warfare to climate change. The development of this inaugural strategy comes at a time when maritime security threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and interconnected, especially in the aftermath of the conflicts happening at the borders of Europe. Recent incidents involving suspected sabotage of undersea infrastructure, the presence of foreign surveillance vessels in Irish waters and the growing recognition of hybrid warfare tactics have highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to maritime security. The following threats represent the most pressing challenges for the country to be addressed in the upcoming strategy. Undersea cables Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has noted that "the security of Ireland's sub-sea infrastructure is a matter of utmost importance with maritime security representing a priority action area for this Government". Ireland hosts many data centres, which handle most of the transatlantic data traffic. More than 95% of international data and voice transfers are routed through undersea fibre optic cables, with transatlantic data passing through cables situated in Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone. From RTÉ News, Ireland to join European naval intelligence alliance This infrastructure represents Ireland's most significant maritime vulnerability and, simultaneously, its most strategically important asset requiring protection. The threat to these cables has become increasingly apparent following incidents such as the suspected sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines and the continuous presence of various Russian 'shadow ships' over cables and critical power lines in Irish waters. Any disruption to these cables would have catastrophic consequences not just for Ireland, but for global communications and commerce. The economic implications are staggering, considering that these cables facilitate billions of dollars in financial transactions daily and support Ireland's position as a European technology hub. The Strategy must establish comprehensive monitoring systems, rapid response protocols and international cooperation mechanisms to detect and respond to threats against this infrastructure. Cyber and hybrid threats The convergence of cyber and maritime domains creates new vulnerabilities that traditional security approaches cannot adequately address. Modern maritime threats increasingly involve hybrid warfare tactics that blur the distinction between civilian and military targets, as well as between peacetime and wartime activities. For instance, the cyber-attack on the HSE in 2021, costing over €130 million to repair the infrastructure, can be considered the primary example in Ireland. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Jackie Fox reports that some 245 so-called 'shadow fleet' vessels passed through Ireland's maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) more than 450 times in the first seven months of this year, according to data obtained by RTÉ News The nature of Ireland's digital and physical maritime infrastructure means that a cyber-attack on port management systems could have physical consequences, while physical interference with cables could disrupt cyber networks. It is recommended that Strategy must integrate cybersecurity measures with traditional maritime security, establish information-sharing mechanisms between relevant agencies, and develop capabilities to attribute and respond to hybrid threats across multiple domains. Maritime domain awareness The third threat relates to the concept of maritime domain awareness, defined as "effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact security, safety, the economy or the marine environment" by the International Maritime Organisation. The Irish Naval Service and Air Corps are now aggressively challenging lingering vessels in their waters, such as, for instance, the 'shadow' Russian fleet, which has been alleged to have been helping that country to avoid the economic sanctions. Current surveillance capabilities are insufficient to effectively monitor the vast expanse of Irish waters, creating blind spots that hostile actors can exploit. The Strategy must prioritise investment in advanced radar systems, satellite monitoring, underwater detection systems, and autonomous surveillance platforms. Integration of these systems into a comprehensive maritime picture is essential for coordinating responses between naval, air, and civilian authorities. The time for Irish decision-makers to chart their course through these troubled waters is now. In conclusion, Ireland's inaugural National Maritime Security Strategy represents more than a policy document as it will stand as a declaration of the country's commitment to protecting its sovereign waters and critical interests in an increasingly complex security environment. The stimulus for drafting the Strategy demonstrates the country's interests in the maritime field, as the extent to which Ireland meets these maritime security challenges will determine the safety and prosperity of its citizens in this interconnected world. The time for Irish decision-makers to chart their course through these troubled waters is now.
Irish Examiner
15-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Government signs new sonar contract to enhance maritime security
The Government has signed a multimillion-euro contract with Thales DMS France for the provision of towed sonar capability. The sonar, the first of its kind in Ireland, will be used for monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, enhancing maritime security. The new sonar capability will be used on Naval vessels to monitor activities in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and in the vicinity of subsea communication cables or gas pipelines. Tánaiste Simon Harris said: 'This significant investment in sonar capability will provide the Naval Service with a state-of-the-art sonar system, which will enable them to build a picture of our subsea, thus contributing to the important task of protecting our critical underwater infrastructure. 'This is one of many strands of work being progressed to address the threats in our maritime domain. 'It will serve as an important first step in creating a 'pattern of life' in the subsea domain, with future projects further enhancing this capability. 'This investment will contribute to the Programme for Government commitment to focus on the protection of critical undersea. 'It also responds in part to the need identified in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, under Level of Ambition 2, for a number of maritime capabilities including the enhancement of sub-surface capabilities to monitor subsea cables.' Mr Harris added: 'My department is also progressing the development of the country's first National Maritime Security Strategy and a public consultation on this new strategy will be launched in the coming days.' Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said it would enable Naval ships to monitor the subsurface space within the maritime area. He added: 'This capability will greatly enhance the Defence Forces' situational awareness across domains and is a welcome advancement in the continued development and transformation of the Oglaigh na hEireann.' 'While the Naval Service and Air Corps regularly monitor activity on Irish seas, this new acquisition will enhance awareness below the surface, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces. 'An enhanced maritime picture is also important for detecting illegal activities such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking, terrorism and espionage.' It is anticipated that this new capability will be available to the Naval Service in 2027. The Government has said maritime security is a priority and has undertaken a number of initiatives including the Department of Defence taking the lead in the co-ordination and development of Ireland's first National Maritime Security Strategy. It has also recently approved the Defence Forces' participation in the Common Information Sharing Environment, an EU initiative which enables structured and secure information-sharing among EU maritime authorities, both civil and military, allowing for more effective operations at sea amid new and evolving maritime threats. Read More Israel and Iran trade strikes for third day as nuclear talks called off
Irish Independent
15-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Government signs new sonar contract to enhance maritime security amid Russian sub fears
The sonar, the first of its kind in Ireland, will be used for monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, enhancing maritime security. It comes amid increased fears for the security of subsea communications and electricity and gas pipelines as Russian submarines and other clandestine vessels have been detected operating in Irish waters. The new sonar capability will be used on Irish Naval vessels to monitor activities in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and in the vicinity of subsea communication cables or gas pipelines. Tanaiste Simon Harris said: 'This significant investment in sonar capability will provide the Naval Service with a state-of-the-art sonar system, which will enable them to build a picture of our subsea, thus contributing to the important task of protecting our critical underwater infrastructure. 'This is one of many strands of work being progressed to address the threats in our maritime domain. 'It will serve as an important first step in creating a 'pattern of life' in the subsea domain, with future projects further enhancing this capability. 'This investment will contribute to the Programme for Government commitment to focus on the protection of critical undersea. 'It also responds in part to the need identified in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, under Level of Ambition 2, for a number of maritime capabilities including the enhancement of sub-surface capabilities to monitor subsea cables.' Mr Harris added: 'My department is also progressing the development of the country's first National Maritime Security Strategy and a public consultation on this new strategy will be launched in the coming days.' Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said it would enable Naval ships to monitor the subsurface space within the maritime area. ADVERTISEMENT He added: 'This capability will greatly enhance the Defence Forces' situational awareness across domains and is a welcome advancement in the continued development and transformation of the Oglaigh na hEireann.' 'While the Naval Service and Air Corps regularly monitor activity on Irish seas, this new acquisition will enhance awareness below the surface, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces. 'An enhanced maritime picture is also important for detecting illegal activities such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking, terrorism and espionage.' It is anticipated that this new capability will be available to the Naval Service in 2027. The Government has said maritime security is a priority and has undertaken a number of initiatives including the Department of Defence taking the lead in the co-ordination and development of Ireland's first National Maritime Security Strategy. It has also recently approved the Defence Forces' participation in the Common Information Sharing Environment, an EU initiative which enables structured and secure information-sharing among EU maritime authorities, both civil and military, allowing for more effective operations at sea amid new and evolving maritime threats.
The Journal
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Ireland needs a plan to protect its undersea cables and government wants your views
THE GOVERNMENT HAS asked the public to contribute to a maritime security document that will be used to secure Ireland's huge undersea cables and shipping routes in the Atlantic and Irish Sea. 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
