Defence Forces to 'mothball' two navy ships due to escalating staff shortages

The Tánaiste said the standing down of the two vessels will not affect the navy's ability to fulfil its maritime security and defence commitments

It has been decided that the LÉ Róisín should be placed into operational reserve with effect from January 31

Two additional navy ships are being “mothballed” because of the escalating shortages in staff to man them, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has revealed.

Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Martin said the strength of the Defence Forces is well below the target of 11,500 force members. On December 31, 2022, the Permanent Defence Force was 7,987 the Tánaiste revealed, with the figure falling considerably in recent months.