A full investigation has been launched into what caused a major fire at the Haulbowline Naval Base in Cobh.

Many tears of joy and a surprise proposal were among the reactions as the crew of a naval ship returned home just in time for Christmas.

The LE Niamh returned to Haulbowline Naval Base in Co. Cork this morning.

Irish Air Corps concerns about the impact on helicopter safety of a proposed incinerator in Co Cork can be ameliorated if the company behind the application can guarantee it will contain any risk from the plume to within 150m of the stack.

The company planning to build a 240,000-tonne capacity incinerator in Cork Harbour has grossly underestimated the risk zone around its chimney stack, local campaigners have claimed.

Latest: The EPA said it was told the lime cloud was contained in the building and that the material was not released to the atmosphere.

An aviation expert, hired to address Department of Defence (DoD) concerns about the impact on aviation safety of a proposed incinerator in Co Cork, claims the objections are “not consistent” with the department’s policy of “minimal development of the aviation infrastructure, including safety” at a nearby naval base.

The safety of helicopter operations at Haulbowline Naval Base will not be curtailed, constrained or affected by the nearby construction of an incinerator, according to the company proposing to build it.

The issue of helicopter safety is one of the key reasons behind An Bord Pleanála’s decision to defer, for the fourth time, a decision on whether to give the go-ahead to a controversial incinerator in Co Cork.

The Naval Service yesterday pointed to an increasing number of third-level graduates entering the force as ordinary recruits.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

The proposed incinerator in Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour could present a risk of fatal injury to helicopter crews, and an incident at the plant could effectively cut off the Haulbowline Naval Base, according to the Department of Defence.

An Bord Pleanála has refused to defer an oral hearing into proposals to build a €160m incinerator in Cork’s lower harbour.

Dáithí Ó Sé has found out that life is not just a bunch of Roses after he was arrested by the country’s youngest garda — for not eating his broccoli.

Simon Coveney believes the Navy will take part in more overseas missions in the future, is committed to buying it more new ships and described the welcome home for LÉ Eithne as the "highlight" of his career as defence minister.

SUNDAY

Members of the gardaí and navy have started unloading the one tonne haul of cocaine seized on a yacht off the Cork coast in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Three men, believed to be British, are being questioned by Irish drugs squad officers today after a yacht was intercepted with a suspected cargo of cocaine believed to be worth around €80m.

A proud father who took a short leave from UN duties in the Golan Heights to see his son commissioned as a Naval Service officer said he had no fears going back to join his comrades in that troubled region.

At least 18 navy personnel and civilian workers employed by the Department of Defence may have been exposed to potentially dangerous levels of asbestos.

The helm of a naval vessel was handed from one female captain to another yesterday, marking a first in Irish Navy history.

IT WAS supposed to be a night of celebration for Fine Gael, and Enda Kenny insisted that was exactly what it would be.

IF the commanders of the Irish Naval Service were to choose a new ensign for the fleet, they could do worse than have it made in the shape of a nappy.

THE navy’s most senior officer saluted 38 recruits at their passing out parade and told their families they could be “proud of their contribution to their country’s future”.

THE Defence Forces’ top brass were present at Haulbowline naval base yesterday to watch the latest group of young officers being commissioned.

IT was a question of ‘eyes right’ as 20 potential Non-Commissioned Officers took centre stage in the parade ground at Haulbowline naval base for a passing out ceremony yesterday.

SIX naval cadets were commissioned yesterday in the presence of Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea.

A NAVAL officer who claimed he fell down the stairs of a ship because the handrails were wet has settled his civil action outside the High Court in Cork.

A JUDGE yesterday described a former Department of Defence engineer as “a neighbour from hell” and denied his appeal against a garda refusal to grant him a firearms licence.

FIREFIGHTERS from Cork city and county joined forces with defence forces personnel to take on a massive blaze at the Haulbowline naval base last night.

The moon came out on cue at the height of the theatrical lunacy at the Naval base in Haulbowline last night.

SITTING and waiting for the phone to ring is an occupational hazard for marine biologist Michelle Cronin.

NAVAL patrols boarded almost 2,000 vessels in 2003 in one of the busiest years for the service.

Final preparations are being made before the navy's newest vessel, the LE Niamh, sets sail for Asia.