Government to splash out €100m on navy ships

The Government has confirmed its pressing ahead with plans to spend €100m on two new naval vessels.

The announcment was made as the LE Niamh returned to its base in Haulbowline in Co Cork today after a 10-week trip to Latin America.

The first of the new vessels should be delivered in 2014 to replace some of the older fleet which are more than 30 years old.