Tripling of naval service diving unit among reforms to boost Ireland's maritime security

Lt Jason Croke and Lt Cdr Aonghus Ó Neachtain speak with Irish Examiner security correspondent Cormac O’Keeffe at Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork Harbour. Picture: Chani Anderson

The Irish naval service’s specialist diving unit is set to be restructured, given a new facility, and trebled in strength as part of a shift in the service towards maritime security.

The section is currently operating at around half of its establishment figure, with 14 out of its 27 authorised strength filled.

Under a forthcoming “masterplan” for Haulbowline, the headquarters of the naval service in Cork Harbour, its overall number is expected to grow into the mid-70s in terms of personnel.

While the timeframe for full implementation is not yet clear, it is thought it will happen in stages and may take five to 10 years to complete.

Both parts of Cormac O'Keeffe's in-depth analysis will be published in the 'Irish Examiner', in print and online, on Monday, April 6

The naval service diving section (NSDS) carries out a wide range of functions, both for the Defence Forces and civil authorities, such as assisting in search and rescue operations and searching for drugs.

The section’s existing role in terms of maritime security — including the mapping of critical infrastructure — is set to expand in the coming years as the Defence Forces, including the naval service, refocuses its purpose, and assets, towards defence of the state and maritime security.

Building on specific recommendations in the Commission on the Defence Forces report, published in February 2022, the NSDS is to be restructured into three sections: an operational unit, a training school and a diving safety office — along with the creation of a naval diving career stream.

The Haulbowline master plan also envisages a major redevelopment of the entire naval service facility, incorporating the NSDS site, including re-engineering of its sea access, new facilities and continuing investment in sophisticated equipment and technology.

In a special report on the NSDS, and the naval service, the Irish Examiner visited the unit’s facilities in Haulbowline and spoke to its head, Lieutenant Jason Croke.

'Significant expansion'

He said that while numbers are low at the moment, with 14 personnel out of 27 positions, he is hopeful of a significant expansion in his unit.

Naval Service Diving Section officer in charge Lt Jason Croke at Haulbowline in Cork Harbour. See Monday's Irish Examiner (print and online) for Cormac O'Keeffe's analysis of the reforms in the naval service. Picture: Chani Anderson

“Just in the operational unit, it’ll go from 27 to about 40 or 50,” he said. “Then you’re going to have the separate diving school, with between 20 and 23. And then you’ll have the diver safety office, which is going to have between six and seven. You’re going from a unit that has 27 vacancies to mid-70s.”

The master plan is part of the naval service regeneration plan, which is expected to be given to defence minister Helen McEntee this month.

That plan and a wider Defence Forces capability development plan 2028-2040, expected later in the year, will set out the expansion of the naval service for the next decade and beyond.

• Cormac O'Keeffe, Security Correspondent