New naval ship `Roisin' is almost home at last

It hasn't been all plain sailing for the new £20 million Naval Service patrol vessel, Roisin, but early this morning, barring further technical difficulties or delays caused by the weather, it will glide into Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork with a minimum of pomp and fuss.

The Defence Forces' press office confirmed last night that the P51 was en route from its shipyard in Devon.

Some minor technical hitches had delayed departure earlier this week, a spokesman said.

Named Roisin by the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, the first new Naval Service ship in 15 years will be fitted with its controversial gun in Haulbowline.

The 76mm Italian-made Oto Melara gun is similar to the armament on board the two existing patrol vessels, the LE Ciara and LE Orla.

The armament controversy arose last year because the EU capital grant for the vessel covers fisheries protection rather than defence.

To comply with EU regulations, it was decided to install the "deck protection" after the vessel's delivery from Appledore shipyard, Devon.

The ship's name also proved to be contentious. The Minister departed from the recommended shortlist supplied to him from the Naval Service and chose Roisin Dubh, symbolising Ireland, but also the name of a good music pub in Galway.

It was subsequently shortened to Roisin to suit international maritime communications requirements. It also assuaged some concern within the naval base.

The P51 ship was ordered almost two years ago, and its design aims to combine the speed of existing coastal patrol vessels with the endurance of the offshore patrol craft.

The Minister, Mr Smith, has said he is committed to taking up an option from the shipyard for a similar vessel.