It is envisaged that it will replace the ageing LÉ Eithne as the Naval Service flagship, and could cost up to €200m. The MRV project is being managed by a civil-military project team and work is ongoing on preparing detailed specification requirements for the ship. The project team has examined the configuration of other MRVs, notably the New Zealand navy's HMNZS Canterbury. Longer ships will be required in the Naval Service in the coming years because climate change has contributed to far rougher weather and far bigger waves in the Atlantic. In addition, the Department of Defence is also planning to purchase new C295 aircraft for the Air Corps.

Source: Irish Examiner November 21, 2020 07:00 UTC