Naval Service's lack of onboard helicopters a major weakness in fight against drug-trafficking

Last January, the Department of Defence issued a “pre-solicitation” for the procurement of a new multi-role vessel (MRV) to replace the LÉ Eithne (pictured). File picture: Dan Linehan

The lack of an Irish naval vessel with an onboard helicopter is a “significant” weakness in combating maritime drug-trafficking, senior sources have said.

With the recent decommissioning of LÉ Eithne, no Naval Service vessel can carry a helicopter.