90. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Defence her plans for forward operating base for the Naval Service on the east coast; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33114/26]

114. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence for an update on plans for a full-time naval base in Dún Laoghaire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33113/26]

129. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Defence if the new east coast naval base will be located in Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32715/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 114 and 129 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that I recently published Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy.

It focuses on risks and threats to Ireland’s national security and defence through a new whole-of-government approach.

The strategy has an accompanying action plan to ensure delivery of this new whole-of-government approach to protecting the security of our maritime domain.

As part of this action plan, options will be explored to expand the State’s existing naval infrastructure, including exploring the potential for a forward operating base on the East Coast.

While the action plan sets out a timeline of 2030 for a decision regarding the East Coast forward operating base concept, work will commence on developing options in the near future.

The Deputy may wish to note that the Department has signed a licensing arrangement with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in relation to the use of Carlisle Pier by the Naval Service. The Naval authorities remain satisfied that the berth at Carlisle Pier is suitable for the purposes of berthing the two Inshore Patrol Vessels, as their primary function will be to patrol the East Coast.