Naval Service begins fleet-wide survey for asbestos

The Naval Service has begun a fleet-wide survey for asbestos after the potentially lethal substance was discovered in four of its ships.

The Department of Defence also confirmed it is still carrying out work on two ships which have spent months in dry dock since asbestos was found.

Work to clean out asbestos from the LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla began on May 28. A Department of Defence spokeswoman said that the operation, which is being conducted along Health and Safety Authority guidelines, is ongoing.