Ireland establishes new maritime security unit for threats

The Department of Defence in Ireland has established a new maritime security unit to tackle maritime threats to the country. This unit aims to develop Ireland's first National Maritime Security Strategy and has been in place since late last year. Dr. Margaret Stanley, who has experience in emergency planning and peacekeeping at the United Nations, will lead this unit. She stated that the strategy will be created in collaboration with various national and international stakeholders, including significant engagement with the private sector. Ireland's geographical location makes this work crucial, as the country has a maritime footprint that is much larger than its land area. A major focus will be on protecting undersea cables that support critical functions like banking and online communications. Many of these cables are near Ireland and can be vulnerable to threats from military and criminal groups. A previous announcement in November 2023 highlighted the intention to create the National Maritime Security Strategy. However, the Department of Defence has not provided a timeline for its completion, causing some concern among experts. Dr. Edward Burke from University College Dublin expressed the importance of addressing security threats promptly. He pointed out that increased Russian activity near Ireland poses risks to critical infrastructure. Burke emphasized the need for improved surveillance capabilities and swift action to tackle these threats. In response to these security challenges, Ireland has increased its defense budget to a record €1.35 billion for 2025, with plans for further rises in future years. The government is also preparing to enhance military procurement strategies, including acquiring new equipment such as interceptor jets and advanced radar systems. Despite these efforts, there are concerns about a lack of personnel to operate new equipment. Ireland's naval fleet currently has staffing shortages, impacting operations. Lieutenant Commander Grace Fanning outlined the urgent need for skilled recruits to run the ships and protect vital infrastructure. Recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces remain challenging, as specialized training can take years. However, some experts believe that with adequate resources and political will, the Defence Forces can improve their operational capabilities over time.