Sir, – Conor Gallagher reports on a welcome development in his article about plans to improve the capabilities of the Irish Naval Service (“Ireland joins the hunt for Russian submarines”, March 21st).
Plans to retrofit a number of existing vessels with Sonar and air-search radar will undoubtedly improve our current capabilities, but what happens if something is detected?
There are no plans to purchase weapons systems, either for sub-surface defence or air defence. So, we may know a threat exists, but how do we deal with it? Or who do we call?
Ireland once had vessels equipped for sub-surface defence. I am referring to the Flower-class corvettes, which were purchased in the late 1940s and served until the late 1960s.
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The Minister and the Department of Defence should be providing a number of modern naval vessels. The Type 26 frigate currently under construction for the Royal Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy would be suitable. Similar can be said about the planned European Corvette, which Ireland is involved in through its observer status in the project.
If the Government and Department of Defence are serious about addressing our defence shortcomings, more ambition and accelerated efforts would certainly help matters. – Yours, etc,
Conor Hogarty,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – As someone who lives close to the Irish naval base at Haulbowline, at the entrance to Cork Harbour, I was amused by Conor Gallagher’s article about Ireland joining the hunt for Russian submarines. Since the majority of Irish naval ships (boats really) are permanently tied up at Haulbowline, I fail to see how his can be done.
As someone conscious of my civic responsibilities, I am prepared to do my bit for the country. So I have the snorkel and goggles at the ready and will be patrolling the waters of my local beach on the lookout for anything that resembles a Russian submarine.
However, given how cold the Atlantic is at this time of year, I can’t really see myself doing this for more than five minutes each day. After that, Russian submarines will be free to go wherever they like. – Yours, etc,
THOMAS G COTTER,
Crosshaven,
Co Cork.
