Government invites tenders for naval ships

THE Government is to invite tenders for the first of three new naval ships later this year, Defence Minister Willie O’Dea said yesterday.

The vessels, expected to cost the taxpayer between €150 million and €190m, are set to replace older boats in the fleet.

Mr O’Dea said the ships will help the Defence Forces back up the Garda and Customs and Excise in the offshore fight against drugs.