Construction and expansion of patrol fleet
Molloy says negotiations are advanced to build another vessel like the Emer. He agrees that more patrol vessels may be needed and says broader Naval Service expansion, including additional vessels, is under consideration.
asked the Minister for Defence when he proposes to authorise the construction of a further fishery protection vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
Negotiations have been opened with a view to having the construction of a vessel on the lines of the recently launched LE Emer put in hands without delay.
Comment on this
Is the Minister satisfied that one further vessel is sufficient to patrol our fishery areas, and should we not be contemplating many more fishery patrol vessels?
Comment on this
I would agree with the Deputy. I am contemplating the expansion of the Naval service, and any such expansion would include naturally the acquisition of a greater number of vessels. These matters are under consideration at present. As I have indicated we are at an advanced stage in the negotiations for the construction of another vessel which would be the third of the Deirdre-type protection vessels.