Up to €700k to scrap three navy vessels, Defence Department says

The LÉ Eithne got a blue-light send off at the Port of Cork as the ship returns to the naval base at Haulbowline. Picture: Dan Linehan

The Department of Defence said the scrapping of three naval service vessels was likely to cost up to €700,000 but that a public sale could not be considered in case one of the boats ended up being sold on to a “warlord”.

In briefing papers on future options for the flagship LÉ Eithne, officials said sale through public auction would mean the department “really has no control … as to who will end up with the ship or its ultimate destination if … sold onto a third party”.