Plans are in place for the Naval Service to acquire two new ships for post-Brexit fishery protection patrols in the Irish Sea next year.

They will be smaller than the 90m-long fishery offshore patrol vessels (OPV) vessels currently being used as larger ships are needed to patrol the Atlantic during bad weather, whereas the weather in the Irish Sea isn't as inclement.

The Irish Examiner understands that Defence Minister Simon Coveney has held discussions on the matter with senior Naval Service officers and officials from the Department of Defence.

It's understood that two ships not being used by a foreign navy are currently being examined and a formal approach to purchase them could be made soon. An option to have them purpose-built is also being considered, with sources saying they could be built by a European shipyard within six months.

Also anticipated is that the new additions will be based on the east coast, most likely in the Dún Laoghaire (Harbour) area. The type of ship likely to be used would be between 40-50m long and can be crewed by just 20 personnel. The larger ships require a crew of about 45.

More from the newspaper here which cites the new pair are likely to replace ageing tonnage notably Afloat adds the flagship LÉ Eithne which has an adopted port of Dun Laoghaire on Dublin Bay. 

As Afloat reported last month the Department of Defence confirmed an intention to purchase a new Multi Role Vessel (MRV) for the Naval Service to enable the newbuild to be used as a hospital ship in addition capable of carrying troops and helicopters.