'We do not have time to wait': Former Defence Forces chief calls for increased investment

Former chief of staff of the Defence Forces Mark Mellett with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, in Cork in 2021. He said he is a 'strong believer' in strengthening bilateral relationships with the UK and France in addition to filling our capacity gaps. Picture: Julien Bahal

Ireland “doesn’t have time to wait” to fill critical gaps in defence and needs “courageous” political leadership to drive investment, according to a former chief of staff.

Mark Mellett said the major investments required — in areas such as primary radar and critical maritime infrastructure — will take “up to five years” to come on stream and that in the meantime Ireland should strengthen bi-lateral agreements with Britain and France on defence and security.