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The EU and Ireland’s Maritime Security: A Call for Action
The possibility of ruptured undersea cables and gas pipelines from Scotland getting Ireland’s attention has raised concerns about the country’s maritime security. With only one operational naval fleet due to a lack of crews, Ireland’s waters are also EU waters, making the situation even more critical.
The European Union’s (EU) Maritime Strategy and Action Plan aims to protect EU interests at sea, uphold international law, and react to growing threats promptly. However, Ireland’s neglect of its maritime domain has left it vulnerable, raising questions about whether the EU would mobilize an EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) to protect Ireland’s waters.
The advantages of an EU NAVFOR operation in Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Territorial Waters (TTW) include enhancing maritime domain awareness and capacity building. However, there are also disadvantages, such as the potential loss of sovereign rights and operational control.
The need for Ireland to update its National Maritime Security Act and strengthen its maritime capabilities is evident. With a declining Defense Forces personnel and a lack of political commitment to national security, the country faces challenges in securing its maritime borders.
The question remains whether Ireland can recover its defense capabilities and strengthen its naval fleet. With ongoing personnel losses and a lack of strategic planning, the future of Ireland’s maritime security remains uncertain. Senator Gerard Craughwell highlights the importance of addressing these issues and strengthening Ireland’s defense capabilities to protect its maritime interests.
