Government publishes first National Maritime Security Strategy
In February 2026, the Department of Defence published the State’s first National Maritime Security Strategy 2026-2030. The strategy outlines six strategic objectives aimed at strengthening national security, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and enhancing cooperation with international partners.
Approximately 90 per cent of trade by volume is transported by sea, while critical infrastructure such as undersea cables and gas pipelines underpin economic and societal activity.
Six strategic objectives are identified:
- defending the State’s maritime domain;
- protecting critical maritime infrastructure;
- enhancing maritime domain awareness;
- strengthening international cooperation;
- ensuring legal order; and
- supporting education, training, and innovation.
Defending the maritime domain
The first objective centres on strengthening Ireland’s capacity to defend its maritime domain. This includes increasing operational presence at sea and enhancing the capabilities of the Defence Forces, particularly the Naval Service.
The strategy acknowledges current limitations, including personnel shortages and constrained patrol capacity within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). To address this, it proposes investment in both traditional and emerging capabilities. These include radar and sonar systems, expanded use of uncrewed vessels and maritime drones, and improved integration of air and land-based assets.
Consideration is also given to expanding naval infrastructure, including the potential development of forward operating bases. These measures are intended to increase responsiveness and ensure a more persistent presence across Ireland’s maritime domain.
Protecting critical infrastructure
A central pillar of the strategy is the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, particularly subsea assets. Ireland’s role as a hub for international data connectivity and its reliance on imported energy through subsea pipelines are identified as key vulnerabilities.
The strategy outlines a range of actions to strengthen resilience, including regular risk assessments, stress testing of infrastructure, and enhanced collaboration with private sector operators. Given that much of this infrastructure is privately owned, engagement with industry is presented as essential.
Measures also include improving cybersecurity practices, developing contingency planning frameworks, and establishing information-sharing networks across sectors. Particular emphasis is placed on protecting undersea communications cables, which carry the vast majority of global internet traffic.
“At the heart of this strategy is a new whole-of-government approach to protect the security of our maritime domain.”
Defence Minister, Helen McEntee TD
Enhancing maritime domain awareness
Improving awareness of activities within Ireland’s maritime domain is identified as a critical enabler of security. The strategy defines maritime domain awareness as the ability to understand and monitor activity on, above, and below the sea.
To support this, it proposes the development of a national maritime security centre. This centre would integrate information from civilian and military sources to create a comprehensive maritime picture, enabling faster decision-making and more effective responses to incidents.
Ireland’s participation in EU-level initiatives such as the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) is also highlighted as a means of improving surveillance and data sharing. The use of space-based technologies and advanced monitoring systems is identified as an area for further development.
Strengthening international cooperation
The strategy emphasises the importance of regional and international cooperation while aiming to continue to conform with the Government’s formal policy of neutrality.
Engagement with the European Union is a key component, including participation in initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security and protecting critical infrastructure. Ireland also intends to deepen bilateral cooperation with countries such as the United Kingdom and France, particularly in relation to shared infrastructure and maritime space.
Cooperation with NATO is addressed through Ireland’s Individual Tailored Partnership Programme, with a focus on resilience and undersea infrastructure protection, although the engagement is framed within the Government’s formal policy of military neutrality.
The strategy also identifies opportunities to participate in regional initiatives and forums, including those focused on countering hybrid threats and addressing organised crime in the maritime domain.
Ensuring legal order
Maintaining a rules-based maritime order is identified as a core principle underpinning the strategy. Ireland’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are central to this approach.
The strategy commits to reviewing existing legislation to ensure it is fit for purpose in addressing emerging threats. This includes examining enforcement powers at sea and considering the need for new legislative measures.
Alignment with international law and cooperation with neighbouring states in its application are also highlighted as priorities, particularly in the context of responding to hybrid threats and protecting critical infrastructure.
Education, training, and innovation
The final objective focuses on building the skills, knowledge, and technological capacity required to support maritime security. This includes investment in education and training programmes, as well as support for research and innovation.
Collaboration between government, academia, and industry is identified as a key enabler, with initiatives such as research programmes at the National Maritime College of Ireland playing a central role. Areas of focus include cybersecurity, surveillance technologies, and maritime domain awareness.
The strategy also highlights the importance of developing specialised skills within the Defence Forces and across relevant agencies, alongside fostering greater cooperation through joint training initiatives.
Delivery
Implementation of the strategy is to be supported by a rolling action plan, which outlines specific measures under each strategic objective. This plan will be subject to regular updates to reflect evolving risks and priorities.
Minister for Defence Helen McEntee TD says: “At the heart of this strategy is a new whole-of-government approach to protect the security of our maritime domain, in cooperation with international partners and the private sector, and in accordance with our international legal rights and obligations.
“The strategy’s associated action plan has been designed to be agile and adaptable to new threats as they emerge and evolve. I look forward to its implementation.”
