Naval service's plan to purchase €200m vessels paused as manpower crisis worsens

It was expected the Multi-Role Vessel would replace the Naval Service's aging flagship LÉ Eithne, which is currently tied up along with inshore patrol vessel LÉ Orla. Both were taken off operations in June 2019 due to crew shortages.

The planned purchase of a €200m Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) for the Naval Service appears to have been put on the back-burner as its number of sailors is set to drop below 900 amid further resignations, including its second most senior officer.

The Department of Defence has declined to comment on a request for information on the status of the MRV project.