Naval service capability 'significantly reduced' with purchase of NZ warships

The 55m-long ships from New Zealand, HMNZS Rotoiti and HMNZS Pukaki, are much smaller than the likes of LÉ George Bernard Shaw, above, and will be used to patrol the Irish Sea. File picture: ED/Alamy Live News

Ireland is "accepting a significant reduction in capability" by buying two former New Zealand warships, which are not only smaller than the existing fleet but could be confined to port in bad weather, a former second-in-command of the Naval Service has said.

The Government recently announced a €26m deal with New Zealand to purchase two of its former Lake-class inshore patrol vessels, HMNZS Rotoiti and HMNZS Pukaki, which are expected to be delivered to the Naval Service next year.