Lack of naval resources means 'we have handed the keys of the country over to the drug cartels'
O'hare Picture: At Naval Vessels Cork Right, Irish Eddie File Shaw, The The George Base Lé Service Haulbowline, In Bernard Among Harbour
Navy response times “make or break” drug operations, meaning Ireland is at a “serious operational disadvantage”, with just a quarter of the patrol vessels it had just a few years ago, the former head of EU’s maritime drug agency has said.
Michael O’Sullivan's comments comes as the Naval Service’s sole on-patrol ship was yesterday expected to set sail from Dún Laoghaire — where it was taking part in St Patrick’s Day engagements — for the coast of West Cork to assist searches.
An international drug-smuggling ring was allegedly trying to import up to two tonnes of cocaine into West Cork and 10 men arrested last week remain in Garda custody.
The Naval Service Diving Section (NSDS) is currently assisting gardaí in searches for any bales of cocaine that may have been dropped off by a mother ship.
“Fundamentally, it's about naval assets,” said Mr O’Sullivan, the former director of the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre — Narcotics.
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The former senior garda said just two years ago the Irish Naval Service would have had four assets, but now only has one on patrol at any given time.
He said the Colombian cartels “know well” the capacity of the Irish navy: “They operate by trial and error, what works and what doesn’t and are constantly adapting. They risk assess and don’t have the budgetary problems the navy has.”
Former officer in the Army Ranger Wing, Kildare independent TD Cathal Berry said there was “no substitute” to having a visible maritime presence to deter drug smugglers.
“By not resourcing our navy we have handed the keys of the country over to the drug cartels do to do with us what they wish," he said.
"It is painful to see €250m of naval vessels tied up or at anchor in Cork Harbour unable to put to sea due to lack of crew.”
Professor of Government and Politics at UCC, Andrew Cottey, said: “Two years after the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and into a major effort to strengthen Ireland’s military, it is both worrying and disappointing that the ability of the Naval Service to put vessels to sea remains severely constrained.
"Other European states are also likely to raise questions about this, as Ireland is an entry route for drugs into mainland Europe.”
University of Galway security expert Brendan Flynn said the navy should have the capability to put four to five vessels at sea.
He said the recent importation operation required the presence of a naval ship with the ability to “land on the deck” of a vessel which may be involved in suspicious activity.