Collection of €22m navy ships from New Zealand thwarted by lack of personnel

The Irish Naval Service ship, LÉ James Joyce at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Co Cork. Picture: Denis Minihane

A lack of personnel will likely prevent the Naval Service from bringing home two ships it has bought from New Zealand.

The two vessels purchased by the Government from the New Zealand Royal Navy (NZRN) are likely to be transported to Ireland by special container ship as the personnel crisis in the Naval Service means it is unlikely it could release crews to go out and sail them back here.