#BacktoMed - Plans have already been made by the Naval Service to send LÉ Roisin to the Mediterranean Sea writes The Irish Examiner, in the event the next government decides to renew last year’s humanitarian mission there.

News of the planned deployment came yesterday as crews from LÉ Eithne, LÉ Niamh and LÉ Samuel Beckett were accorded a civic reception in County Hall for saving the lives of 8,631 men, women and children.

Naval service top brass have been making preparations in recent weeks in anticipation that they will be called on again to aid ‘Operation Pontius,’ supporting the Italian Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre in rescuing migrants trying to cross into Europe from Libya.

Mayor of County Cork, Independent councillor John Paul O’Shea said on behalf of the people of Cork he wanted to thank the three ships’ crews for their phenomenal work and dedication.

To read more on the humanitarian deployments last year and the civic reception, click here.