New Irish Naval Vessels To Be Built

Alan Shatter, Minister for Defence, has announced that the build process for the first of two new Irish Naval Service Ship has reach a milestone. The traditional Keel Laying ceremony took place in Babcock Marine's Appledore Yard in Devon, UK.

The Keel laying ceremony was attended by members of the naval service from the Department of Defence, as well as those involved in the build project.

Both the LE Roisin and LE Niamh were build at the Appledore Dock Yard over 10 years ago and remain a key part of the Irish Naval service.

The first ship will be delivered in early 2014, and the second ship will follow in 2015. At which pint older Naval Service vessels will be withdrawn from operational service.

The ships will cost €99million and it was placed with Babcock Marine in October 2010. Weaponry will cost an extra €7.8million. Payments for the contract is paid on an annual basis between 2010 to 2017.