247. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding any preliminary work or assessment of the merits of the development of a naval base in Dún Laoghaire Harbour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60473/26]

256. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the development of a naval base in Dún Laoghaire Harbour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60466/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 256 together.

In February 2026, I published Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy, which 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. Any decision will be dependent on the recommendations falling from the Naval Service Regeneration Report.

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.