Minister sees 'merit' but stops short of commitment on Galway Naval Reserve base
Defence Minister Helen McEntee was responding to a Dáil question from Galway West TD John Connolly (FF), who argued that Galway should be considered for an expanded Naval Reserve unit.
The Dáil exchange in June is the most recent indication from the Government on the future of a potential Naval Reserve presence in Galway.
"While a decision has not been taken yet, I believe there is merit in the proposal the Deputy is suggesting," said Minister McEntee.
She confirmed that work is ongoing but has not committed to any location.
"As we have locations in Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Waterford, it stands to reason that we would look beyond those areas to see what we can do," she said.
"Obviously, we need to go through the various different processes to get to that point."
Deputy Connolly said Galway has a proud maritime tradition and a long history with the Naval Service.
However, he warned that this tradition has "petered out in recent times" and argued that locating naval infrastructure in Galway would encourage more local people to join.
"The operation of a naval support base or naval infrastructure along the west coast in Galway would encourage more local people, potentially, to join the Naval Service or the Naval Reserve," he said.
The Naval Service Reserve's expansion is being examined as part of the Defence Forces' wider transformation.
Minister McEntee confirmed that more units "may be considered" in suitable coastal locations with port access, but stressed that no decisions had yet been made on location.
According to Deputy Connolly, Galway is "well placed", highlighting recommendations in both the Commission on the Defence Forces and the National Maritime Security Strategy.
"Everything in these studies is pointing towards the need for the west coast to be serviced by a naval base," he said.
"Galway would make great sense because it would be complemented by the Army base at Renmore and it also has the natural infrastructure to facilitate such a development."
Speaking after the debate, Deputy Connolly said Galway is the logical choice for any future expansion of the Naval Reserve.
"There are currently units of the Reserve in Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Limerick," he said.
"It would make perfect sense that Galway would be the location chosen for the additional unit."
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