Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin also said during the event that the Sea-going Naval Personnel Tax Credit will be extended for an additional five years.

Built in 2009 for the Royal New Zealand Navy, the LÉ Gobnait and LÉ Aoibhinn were acquired from the country's government in 2022.

The Department of Defence describes the vessels as "highly manoeuvrable" and smaller than regular patrol boats in the hopes that they will improve maritime surveillance and support search and rescue efforts.

Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, attended a ceremony at the base with Michael Martin.

The Gobnait and Aoibhinn can go 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km) at a maximum speed of twice the cruising speed of 12 knots. A 12.7mm heavy machine gun is carried by each.

According to the department, their newfound ability to gather intelligence and engage in electronic warfare will help the Naval Service adapt to the constantly shifting maritime environment.



They require fewer crew members than the ships they replace, the now-decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, with only 26 people on board.

According to the Tánaiste, the patrol boats "will contribute to the national effort of safeguarding our critical infrastructure" and "play a vital role in safeguarding our nation's security."

"I know these vessels and their crews stand ready to continue the hugely important work of our Naval Service."

They will be deployed to increase the frequency of patrols around the east and south-east coasts, according to the department.

The commissioning ceremony is "yet another demonstration of the Government's ongoing commitment to the modernisation of our Defence Forces," according to the Tánaiste.

Two rigid-hull inflatable boats are carried by each ship and are useful for reconnaissance and boarding operations.