Two more naval patrol ships could be in service in a matter of weeks

The naval service's new smaller inshore ships, LÉ Gobnait and LÉ Aoibhinn, one of which is expected to go into service within weeks. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

The naval service, which was only able to have one ship patrolling Irish waters since the start of the year, could have two more vessels available within a matter of weeks.

A lack of key personnel and mechanical issues have severely hampered the ability of the naval service with only a single vessel available to carry out key duties including drug interception operations, fishery monitoring as well as search and rescue.