#Defence Forces

Sign in

#Defence Forces

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>LÉ George Bernard Shaw amongst others docked at the naval base in Haulbowline. File picture: Eddie O'Hare</p>

news

Defence gaps mean sabotage of gas energy supply could be 'crippling' for Ireland

'Ireland needs military assets — sensors, drones, naval patrol ships, and patrol aircraft — and clear and coordinated leadership'

<p>The 127th Infantry Battalion on an exercise at the Glen of Imaal as 350 Defence Forces personnel prepare to ship out to Lebanon — one of the last such deployments, as the Unifil mission will end by 2027. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins</p>

comment-analysis

Dorcha Lee: What the end of Unifil means for Lebanon and for Ireland's Defence Forces

<p>Richard Muldarry was a serving member of the Defence Forces at the time of his offences, but retired prior to the Court Martial proceedings taking place.</p>

court and crime

Retired soldier loses appeal after claiming concussion led to sexual assault on colleagues

Shoulder patch of a soldier from the Irish Army on camouflaged uniform.

court and crime

Former army captain who sexually assaulted female soldier loses appeal against dismissal

Uisce Éireann to take over wastewater facilities from developers in minister's plan

politics

Uisce Éireann to take over wastewater facilities from developers in minister's plan

Ireland not using soft EU defence loan fund as markets 'cheaper'

news

Ireland not using soft EU defence loan fund as markets 'cheaper'

Shoulder patch of a soldier from the Irish Army on camouflaged uniform.

Retired Defence Forces members challenge pension cuts after rejoining public service

The Retired Enlisted Members’ Association says pension abatement rules unfairly penalise former Defence Forces personnel rejoining the public service

Tue, 21 Oct, 2025

Irish navy patrols set to increase after years of depleted activity

Irish navy patrols set to increase after years of depleted activity

The Naval Service will carry around 520 patrols this year

Mon, 20 Oct, 2025

Defence Forces charity launches €3.5m housing expansion to support homeless veterans

Defence Forces charity launches €3.5m housing expansion to support homeless veterans

The Defence Forces veterans’ charity aims to raise €500,000 for a major expansion of housing and support services nationwide

Sat, 18 Oct, 2025

‘Ireland is awash with cocaine — we’re losing the battle,’ warns former Navy commander

‘Ireland is awash with cocaine — we’re losing the battle,’ warns former Navy commander

Revenue’s new €9m Customs cutter will patrol Ireland’s southern coast, but experts warn the country is still 'losing the battle' against smugglers

Fri, 17 Oct, 2025

Mercury spill forces closure of Air Corps hangar at Baldonnel airbase

Mercury spill forces closure of Air Corps hangar at Baldonnel airbase

A small mercury spill inside a Baldonnel hangar prompted an immediate safety lockdown and investigation by the Defence Forces

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025

Half of Naval Service officer cadets leave before completing training, conference told

Half of Naval Service officer cadets leave before completing training, conference told

Exodus of cadets a 'huge issue' that 'needs to be rectified immediately', officers' conference told

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Officers' association believes target of 11,500 in Defence Forces is 'major challenge'

Officers' association believes target of 11,500 in Defence Forces is 'major challenge'

RACO called for better cadets pay, better pension arrangements and a review of specialist pay and training establishments

Tue, 14 Oct, 2025

Mick Clifford: Some sections of society left shortchanged by 'Big Mac budget'

Mick Clifford: Some sections of society left shortchanged by 'Big Mac budget'

This was a budget more focused on business, and the need to ensure that the economy is equipped for any approaching storm rather than alleviating the worst ravages of poverty, writes Mick Clifford

Tue, 07 Oct, 2025

Denmark Drones

The EU is preparing for war – is Ireland?

With a marine territory 10 times our landmass, and which includes much of the northern hemisphere’s critical subsea cables, Ireland's defence capabilities should be built around maritime capacity, writes Edward Burke

Tue, 07 Oct, 2025

Simon Harris visit to Lebanon

Irish peacekeepers 'safe and accounted for' as Israel drops grenades near Unifil troops in Lebanon

Unifil said peacekeepers at two different locations heard grenades explode near an excavator around 500m away from them at 11.30am on Thursday

Fri, 03 Oct, 2025

Denmark Airport

Ireland will collaborate with other EU states on security amid concern over Russia

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it made sense for Ireland to work with EU states that have expertise in drones, protection of undersea cables, and cyberattacks

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

Naval Service recruitment set to rise 65% on last year

Naval Service recruitment set to rise 65% on last year

A total of 84 recruits have been inducted by the end of August, with almost a similar number scheduled to join before the end of the year

Sun, 28 Sep, 2025

Irish navy returns five turtles to warmer waters after they washed up on west coast

Irish navy returns five turtles to warmer waters after they washed up on west coast

The turtles — Cleo, Mara, Tony, Knesaii, and Columbus — were carried aboard the LÉ Samuel Beckett in boxes marked with their names during a short quayside ceremony.

Fri, 26 Sep, 2025

The Mick Clifford Podcast: Retired army officer on effects of criminal investigation

The Mick Clifford Podcast: Retired army officer on effects of criminal investigation

Alan Kearney was a captain in the Irish Defence Forces in 2021, due to be promoted to commandant, when he was removed from his duties and investigated for suspected criminal offences

Listen | Thu, 25 Sep, 2025

Reserve Defence Force

Military reserves warn funding cuts risk collapse of force as Cork TDs press for answers

RDFRA leaders told the Oireachtas that underfunding, unpaid duties, and shrinking numbers threaten the sustainability of Ireland’s reserve forces

Thu, 25 Sep, 2025

Rise in defence funding 'must be maintained' for Ireland's security and reputation

Rise in defence funding 'must be maintained' for Ireland's security and reputation

The 2025–2028 strategy stresses sustained funding, rising personnel needs, and long-delayed security plans as Ireland faces growing global threats

Thu, 25 Sep, 2025

Former Defence Forces chief urges Ireland to hire repair ship to protect subsea cables

Former Defence Forces chief urges Ireland to hire repair ship to protect subsea cables

Ex-Defence Forces chief Mark Mellett says Ireland needs a repair vessel, alert systems, and stronger laws to protect vital subsea cables

Wed, 24 Sep, 2025

Ombudsman probes case of Army officer who endured ‘tortuous’ legal ordeal

Ombudsman probes case of Army officer who endured ‘tortuous’ legal ordeal

Alan Kearney faced ‘a calculated, brutal withdrawal’ when he needed the Defence Forces the most, writes Mick Clifford

Mon, 15 Sep, 2025

Army officer suffered years of ‘distress’ facing criminal charges that have since been dropped

Army officer suffered years of ‘distress’ facing criminal charges that have since been dropped

For more than two and a half years, Commandant Alan Kearney had criminal charges hanging over him — but no evidence was ever produced, and all charges have since been dropped

Sun, 14 Sep, 2025

National Cyber Security Centre takes part in Apex exercise alongside Nato members

National Cyber Security Centre takes part in Apex exercise alongside Nato members

Ireland was one of 25 countries, along with Nato members and partners as well as states from Asia and the Pacific, invited to join the exercise in South Korea

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

One-sided discussion on Irish neutrality does not serve democracy

One-sided discussion on Irish neutrality does not serve democracy

The political and media focus on mainstream voices around the triple lock and militarism do not represent the views of an overwhelmingly pro-neutrality public

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

Staff shortage may hamper navy fleet plans

Staff shortage may hamper navy fleet plans

Lack of specialist technicians to keep ship engines, electrical systems, and armaments properly functioning

Sun, 07 Sep, 2025

Soldier who blew whistle on bullying left to man phone that never rings

Former peacekeeper says it is wrong for minister to call for Triple Lock removal

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill made the comments while delivering the keynote address at the recent Michael Collins commemoration

Mon, 01 Sep, 2025

‘Ireland will continue to play an outsize role in the United Nations’

‘Ireland will continue to play an outsize role in the United Nations’

Sorcha Crowley spoke with gardaí, soliders, and officials among the many Irish people promoting peace with the UN as it marks its 80th year — work that will continue despite the impending end of Unifil

Mon, 01 Sep, 2025

Meet the 'ambassadors on horseback' of Ireland's Army Equitation School

Meet the 'ambassadors on horseback' of Ireland's Army Equitation School

As the Army Equitation School nears its centenary, riders reflect on its history, global impact, and mission to champion Irish horses

Sat, 30 Aug, 2025

Colin Sheridan: The end of Unifil is the end of Ireland’s innocence in peacekeeping

Colin Sheridan: The end of Unifil is the end of Ireland’s innocence in peacekeeping

As the UN prepares to end its Unifil mission, Ireland must confront difficult choices about peacekeeping, neutrality and foreign policy identity

Fri, 29 Aug, 2025

End of Ireland's 47-year Unifil mission in Lebanon deemed 'a major setback'

End of Ireland's 47-year Unifil mission in Lebanon deemed 'a major setback'

Chief of Staff said the new challenge for Ireland's Defence Forces move is 'not welcome' — while the defence minister said the US-Israeli move to end the Unifil mission is 'wholly irresponsible'

Fri, 29 Aug, 2025

Simon Harris visit to Lebanon

Tánaiste: Ending Lebanon peacekeeping mission now would be 'wholly irresponsible'

Simon Harris says Ireland remains committed to peacekeeping as the UN extends its mission in volatile Lebanon until 2027

Thu, 28 Aug, 2025

UN Security Council set to renew Lebanon peacekeepers for final time

UN Security Council set to renew Lebanon peacekeepers for final time

UNIFIL patrols Lebanon's southern border with Israel. The mandate for the operation is renewed annually, and its current authorization expires on August 31.

Thu, 28 Aug, 2025

Government to spend €650k on efforts to cut bird and hare strikes at military airbase

Government to spend €650k on efforts to cut bird and hare strikes at military airbase

A Bird Control Unit (BCU) is stationed at the airbase, tasked with keeping the area free of birds and other wildlife with the aim of avoiding strikes that can cause significant damage to aircraft and result in jet engines losing power

Wed, 27 Aug, 2025

ieExplains: What is the triple lock and why is it so important?

ieExplains: What is the triple lock and why is it so important?

This week, the Government is to take the first step in dismantling Ireland's triple lock system that governs the deployment of peacekeepers abroad

Mon, 25 Aug, 2025

Government must restore Irish sovereignty by removing triple lock on peacekeepers, says health minister

Government must restore Irish sovereignty by removing triple lock on peacekeepers, says health minister

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill highlighted how no peacekeeping missions have been sanctioned since 2014

Sun, 24 Aug, 2025

Nearly 13,000 apply as Defence Forces ramp up €2m digital and outdoor recruitment campaign

Nearly 13,000 apply as Defence Forces ramp up €2m digital and outdoor recruitment campaign

Defence Forces invested heavily in online platforms, billboards, and gaming sites in a bid to address long-term recruitment challenges

Wed, 13 Aug, 2025

File Pics Garda Chief Superintendent denies claims of a shortage of garda

Traffic gardaí 'letting their colleagues down' if they aren't 'doing their jobs', says Tánaiste

Simon Harris also confirmed that he will meet with the mother of Pte Sean Rooney who was killed while on UN peacekeeping duty in Lebanon in 2022

Fri, 01 Aug, 2025

Private Sean Rooney inquest

Private Seán Rooney's mother hits out at Tánaiste and Lebanon after sentencing tribunal

"It would perhaps be wise for the Tánaiste to speak to me, before seeking to speak for me, in his public statements," Private Seán Rooney's mother Natasha Rooney stated.

Thu, 31 Jul, 2025

Private Sean Rooney inquest

Main defendant charged with murder of private Seán Rooney sentenced to death

Tánaiste and defence minister Simon Harris said he noted the sentence handed down, along with those handed to a number of the other defendants who had previously not been in court

Mon, 28 Jul, 2025

Government urged to clarify military intelligence powers in new phone tapping legislation

Government urged to clarify military intelligence powers in new phone tapping legislation

Surveillance judge says it’s critical Government modernises laws to define military intelligence powers and cover encrypted digital platforms

Thu, 24 Jul, 2025

National Development Plan allocates almost €4bn for defence and justice capital spends

National Development Plan allocates almost €4bn for defence and justice capital spends

The Government has committed to implement the second of three levels of investment (LOA2), centred on increasing the annual defence budget from €1.1bn in 2022 to €1.5bn in 2028

Tue, 22 Jul, 2025

Defence Forces experts train Nato militaries to counter homemade bomb threats

Defence Forces experts train Nato militaries to counter homemade bomb threats

Bomb experts from Australia and New Zealand joined major Nato countries, such as US, Canada, UK, France, and Germany, at the Ordnance School in the Curragh

Sat, 19 Jul, 2025

Watch: Just two new navy officers commissioned — but 11 cadets are now in training

Watch: Just two new navy officers commissioned — but 11 cadets are now in training

Only two new officers received their commissions in the ceremony for the 63rd Cadet Class at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork, on Friday

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

'Ireland needs military-grade drones to fend off bombardment of drugs by cocaine cartels'

'Ireland needs military-grade drones to fend off bombardment of drugs by cocaine cartels'

In the wake of the Broadstrand drugs seizure and convictions following the MV Matthew case, security sources say Ireland must up its game to tackle drug trafficking

Mon, 07 Jul, 2025

Simon Harris visit to Lebanon

TD who served with Unifil warns end of UN Lebanon mandate would be 'catastrophic'

Catherine Callaghan's plea comes amid concern that the UN peacekeeping operation in southern Lebanon may not have its mandate renewed next month

Mon, 07 Jul, 2025

Gardaí probe if Aughinish bomb linked to Russian attack on Ukraine

Gardaí probe if Aughinish bomb linked to Russian attack on Ukraine

Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal team confirmed the device was viable and rendered it safe after it was discovered late on Friday

Sun, 06 Jul, 2025

Irish troop missions 'held hostage' by UN veto, says former army colonel

Irish troop missions 'held hostage' by UN veto, says former army colonel

The Oireachtas Defence Committee is continuing hearings on the Defence Bill 2025 which proposes to scrap the 'Triple Lock'

Tue, 01 Jul, 2025