134. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Defence if she is exploring options for a forward operating base on the east coast for the Naval Service in line with the Natonal Maritime Security Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42802/26]

140. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Defence if she is exploring options for a forward operating base in the North West for the Naval Service in line with the Natonal Maritime Security Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42801/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 140 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that, as Minister for Defence, I recently published Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy. My vision for this strategy is that it will support the protection of a secure and sovereign Ireland, where our people and interests are protected, and where our European and international partners can rely on us to uphold the rule of law in the maritime domain.

The strategy focuses on risks and threats to Ireland’s national security and defence through a new whole-of-government approach and it has an accompanying action plan to ensure delivery of this new approach to protecting the security of our maritime domain.

Key actions from the strategy’s action plan that I would like to highlight are:

• developing the concept of a national maritime security centre, which will deliver a new, whole-of-government approach to protect the security of our maritime domain;

• exploring the opportunity for Ireland to host or participate in a regional maritime monitoring hub for the protection of critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic;

• strengthening regional partnerships, particularly with our near neighbours the UK and France, as well as increasing cooperation with EU initiatives and with international bodies and regional groupings;

• working closely with the private sector; and

• developing a comprehensive new legal approach to maritime security in Ireland.

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

While the action plan sets out a timeline of 2028 for decision on the the East Coast forward operation base concept and 2030 regarding the West Coast concept, work will commence on developing options in the near future.

Options for potential expansion through the development of forward operating bases on the East and West Coasts will take into account how potential locations can best support an increase in the capacity and capability of the Defence Forces to defend the State's maritime domain.

In addition, a wide range key infrastructure development projects are ongoing at the existing Naval Base at Haulbowline in the current Infrastructure Development plan. A Masterplan for the Naval Base will be completed in the coming weeks. This will provide a future pipeline of infrastructure projects for the development of the base.