merrion street

Today, An Taoiseach Mr. Enda Kenny, T.D. attended the naming and commissioning ceremonies for the new Naval Service ship, LÉ William Butler Yeats on Galway Quayside. He was accompanied by Minister with Responsibility for Defence Mr. Paul Kehoe, T.D. The naming ceremony was carried out by a member of the Yeats family.

In his address, An Taoiseach said that “It is a great pleasure for me as Taoiseach to welcome the new ship to the Naval Service Fleet as it commences what I am sure will be a long and productive career in service with the Defence Forces”.

He commended everyone involved in the build project of the ship. He particularly thanked the main contractor Babcock Marine Appledore, part of the Babcock International Group in the United Kingdom, members of the Naval Service and the Department of Defence and everyone who played a part leading to the arrival of this very impressive Naval Service vessel into Galway today.

An Taoiseach also said that “The naming and commissioning carried with it a great sense of pride and anticipation for all Naval Service personnel. LÉ William Butler Yeats will be a tremendous asset to the Naval Service. I know that the ship’s first captain, Lieutenant Commander Eric Timon and his crew are looking forward to working up the new ship to its full potential”.

Commenting on the role of the Naval Service he added “the Naval Service presents a wide range of challenging roles to all of its personnel, now more than ever before. Naval Service ships assert the integrity of our territorial waters. The Naval Service’s capacity to continue to serve has been significantly enhanced by LÉ William Butler Yeats entering operational service”.

Minister Kehoe said “the role of the Naval Service is a complex and challenging one and it makes an important contribution across a wide variety of roles assigned by Government. In recent times, the Naval Service has distinguished itself internationally with the important work being carried out in the Mediterranean Sea.’’

In concluding Minister Kehoe said “The acquisition of modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair of the existing fleet, will ensure that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained.”

Mr. Kenny, joined by Mr. Kehoe, extended their very best wishes and that of the Government to the Captain and crew of LÉ William Butler Yeats.

ENDS

Note for the Editors

Current Ships Replacement Programme
Following a tender competition, a contract was placed in October 2010 with Babcock International, UK, for the provision of two new 90m Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Irish Naval Service with the option of a third OPV.  The first of the two ships LÉ Samuel Beckett was handed over at the end of April 2014. The second ship LÉ James Joyce was delivered in July 2015. In June 2014 the Department exercised the option under the original contract to place an order for the third OPV LÉ William Butler Yeats being named and commissioned today.
LÉ Samuel Beckett and LÉ James Joyce have replaced LÉ Emer and LÉ Aoife respectively. LÉ William Butler Yeats replaces LÉ Aisling which was decommissioned and withdrawn from service on 22 June 2016.

The value of the original contract, including the third ship, is €199,358,000, inclusive of VAT. A contract for a fourth sister ship was placed with Babcock International in June 2016 at a cost of €66,789,000, inclusive of VAT. The fourth ship is scheduled for delivery in mid 2018.