The Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin has revealed the names of the Naval Service’s two inshore patrol vessels as LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait. Acquired from the New Zealand Government in 2022, the ships are currently at the Haulbowline Naval Base in County Cork undergoing a series of preparations, including crew training, prior to their deployment.
Contrary to the suggestion of naming the vessels after eminent Irish female figures, a proposal submitted by the Defence Forces in response to misogyny and abuse accusations in the Women of Honour case, the Minister decided to confer names of women from Irish mythology. He expressed that the names Aoibhinn and Gobnait are deeply ingrained in Ireland’s historical roots, yet carry relevance in today’s Ireland due to their recognisable variations.
The Tánaiste asserted that the integration of these inshore patrol vessels into the naval fleet would bolster the Naval Service’s abilities, especially in terms of protecting fisheries. These vessels, he stated, would serve and safeguard Ireland’s citizens and the State for many future years.
In a formal statement, the Department of Defence declared that this procurement is among various strategic actions employed by the Government to enhance the Naval Service’s capabilities in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone. Besides fulfilling their primary role of enforcing fishery regulations pertaining to Ireland’s EU membership, the new vessels will also execute various other non-fishery tasks while conducting maritime surveillance.