Third new ship to be announced for Navy

The chairman of the Oireachtas committee on Justice, Defence and Equality says he’s "confident" that an announcement will be made before the end of the year that the Naval Service is to get a third new ship.

David Stanton TD says it’s imperative that the Navy be given the best equipment possible because of its role in defending increased territorial waters which may harbour huge reserves in oil and gas.

The Naval Service recently acquired the new €50 million LÉ Samuel Beckett and delivery is expected next year of the LÉ James Joyce. However, five of the eight-strong fleet are ageing and have major asbestos issues.