Lack of naval resources means 'we have handed the keys of the country over to the drug cartels'

The LÉ George Bernard Shaw, right, among vessels at the Irish Naval Service base in Haulbowline, Cork Harbour. File picture: Eddie O'Hare

Navy response times “make or break” drug operations, meaning Ireland is at a “serious operational disadvantage”, with just a quarter of the patrol vessels it had just a few years ago, the former head of EU’s maritime drug agency has said.

Michael O’Sullivan's comments comes as the Naval Service’s sole on-patrol ship was yesterday expected to set sail from Dún Laoghaire — where it was taking part in St Patrick’s Day engagements — for the coast of West Cork to assist searches.