176 more Irish soldiers to arrive in Chad today

Another group of Irish soldiers is due to arrive in Chad today as part of an EU mission to protect refugees in the central African nation.

Eighty-eight Irish Rangers are already on the ground in the country and a 176-strong group of logisticians and engineers are arriving today to build a camp for the remainder of the force.

Around 400 Irish soldiers will be taking part in the EU mission.

Defence Minister Willie O'Dea is in Vienna today to discuss the situation with his Austrian counterpart.

Austria has deployed 150 soldiers to Chad as part of the mission.