EU naval patrols could protect subsea cables under Irish seas

Irish naval vessel LÉ William Butler Yeats lies at anchor before dawn outside Cork Harbour at Fountainstown, Co Cork.

Pooled navy patrols, operating under an EU mission, could provide the “appropriate response” in protecting the subsea cable infrastructure passing through Irish-controlled waters, a maritime expert has said.

Commenting on the publication by the European Commission of a public consultation into a new EU Maritime Security Strategy, Assistant professor Robert McCabe said a “multinational” security mission could benefit countries, like Ireland, with small navies.