Ireland Navy Nations // Non-aligned Europe

OVERVIEW The primary role of the navy is protecting Irish national security. Until the 1970s, the Irish naval service was regarded primarily as a fishery protection service. While the naval service is still responsible for protecting fishing grounds, it has also become involved in interdicting gun-runners attempting to smuggle arms into Northern Ireland. In 2010, the navy stepped up efforts to stop smugglers trying to bring cocaine into Europe via the southwest coast of the Republic...