I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy McEntee, about this in person. I thank the Minister of State for taking the time to come to the House today to discuss what may, at first glance, seem an unconventional proposal, but I urge him to hear me out. It is one I believe warrants serious consideration.

In recent days when I have mentioned the possibility of a maritime or naval facility in Drogheda, some people have pointed to the tidal nature of the River Boyne, navigational constraints and the challenges associated with accommodating larger vessels. They are legitimate considerations and should not be dismissed. However, there is increasing discussion about the future development of Bremore as a deepwater port and the gradual movement of larger scale commercial maritime activity from Drogheda. If that is indeed the direction of travel, then perhaps now is the ideal time to ask a different question. What strategic national role might Drogheda Port play in the decades ahead?

Ireland's maritime security environment has changed significantly in recent years. The use of drones and the protection of critical infrastructure, undersea communications cables, energy connections and key shipping routes have become matters of national importance. Across Europe there is growing recognition of the need to strengthen maritime surveillance and security capabilities. In that context, Drogheda offers a number of advantages worth serious examination. Located right at the heart of the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor, it provides immediate access to the Irish Sea and sits between the two largest cities on the island. It is connected by road, rail and air transport infrastructure in a way few coastal locations can match. Drogheda, as we know, is one of the fastest growing urban centres in the State and is experiencing one of the highest rates of housing delivery in the country. Significant Government investment announced by our colleague, the Minister, Deputy James Browne, in the past few days is now being directed towards the infrastructure needed to support that growth, including the phased delivery of the port access northern cross route, which will ultimately provide a direct strategic link between Drogheda Port and the M1 motorway. The development of an eastern maritime security hub would therefore not simply be a defence investment; it would represent a major economic opportunity for Drogheda and the wider north east, supporting high-quality employment, attracting investment and encouraging the development of maritime technology and innovation.

I am not asking the Minister of State to announce a massive naval base for Drogheda to replace Haulbowline. I am asking whether we have properly considered the strategic potential of Drogheda at a time when Ireland is rethinking maritime security. The future of maritime security will not be defined solely by the size of vessels tied up alongside a quay wall. It will increasingly depend on surveillance technology, unmanned aerial systems, maritime drones, intelligence gathering, the monitoring of critical infrastructure and rapid response capability. Drogheda's location makes it uniquely suited to many of those functions. Its proximity to Dublin Airport, which is just 20 minutes away, major transport networks, being moments from the M1, and some of the busiest shipping routes in the Irish Sea could make it an ideal location for an eastern maritime security hub serving a range of State agencies. A multimillion euro green energy project is planned for the former Premier Periclase site right by the port.

The tidal issue is real, although it is not necessarily a barrier. Maritime facilities across the world operate successfully in tidal environments through modern engineering solutions and carefully designed infrastructure. The question is not whether challenges exist; it is whether the strategic advantages justify examining this opportunity.

Drogheda has been a maritime town for centuries, and proudly so. This emerging city continues to grow. As the State continues to invest in the infrastructure needed to support that growth, we should be ambitious enough to ask not only what Drogheda can become but what role Drogheda can play in supporting Ireland's national security, economic resilience and maritime future. I would welcome the Minister of State's views on whether a feasibility assessment of Drogheda's potential as an eastern maritime security and surveillance hub has been or will be undertaken.

I compliment Senator Comyn on the passion and commitment she showed to Drogheda and its environs. She was clearly not reading from a script but speaking from the heart. She gave a strong defence of the strengths of Drogheda and how the town can play a pivotal part in Ireland's security in the future. Well done on that. It is great to see the Senator show such passion and commitment to her community.

I am responding on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Helen McEntee, who unfortunately cannot be here. She has asked me to convey her apologies to the Senator and the House. I thank the Senator for raising the issue.

The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces calls for the development of an east coast base for the Naval Service. Reflecting this, the programme for Government has also recognised the need for an east coast base. Such a base would support the operations of the Naval Service and also raise the profile of the service along the eastern seaboard, with a potential beneficial impact on recruitment. In addition, the Minister for Defence recently published Ireland's first national maritime security strategy. The strategy focuses on risks and threats to Ireland's national security and defence through a new whole-of-government approach. It has an accompanying action plan to ensure delivery of this new whole-of-government approach to protecting the security of our maritime domain.

As part of this action plan, options will be explored to expand the State's existing naval infrastructure, including exploring the potential for a forward operating base on the east coast. The action plan sets out a timeline of 2030 for a decision relating to the east coast forward operational base concept. Work will commence on developing options in the near future. In particular, the issue of the east coast base has been discussed in the context of the inshore patrol vessels, IPVs, LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait . These IPVs were acquired with a particular focus on east coast operations. They are well-suited to key missions like the protection of critical infrastructure, with the LÉ Aoibhinn becoming operational in 2024. The Tánaiste then gave approval to leasing the berth in Dún Laoghaire to support east coast operations in the short term, for a period of up to five years.

With this in mind, the Department has recently signed a licence with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the owner of the harbour in Dún Laoghaire, regarding exclusive use of the berth by the Naval Service. Relevant works on the site will commence shortly to support Naval Service operations. The operations of this temporary facility will provide an opportunity to develop proof of concept for any future east coast base and will help identify precise requirements for such a base.

Additionally, a Naval Service regeneration plan is due to be submitted shortly for the consideration of the Minister for Defence. The regeneration plan has been devised on foot of detailed workshops held between senior military officers, led by the Chief of Staff, and senior officials in the Department of Defence. The issue of additional naval bases, on the east coast or elsewhere, will be considered in the context of that awaited plan and recommendations arising from same. I note that as a measure of the Government's commitment to investing in the Naval Service, to date infrastructure projects to a value of over €20 million have been completed for the Naval Service, with a further €17 million worth of projects at either procurement, design or construction.

We all have to acknowledge that the threat to Ireland's security is real, and we must, at all costs, secure our coast and keep our citizens safe. I am encouraged and thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I am encouraged that my proposal was not dismissed outright. The Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, and I are working hard on this to see if it is a possibility. We understand Dún Laoghaire is currently being used. It is a temporary measure. We believe that Drogheda Port, with all of its infrastructure and access, has less density and does not have busy ferries coming and going at all times. I am also encouraged the see the Naval Service is recruiting and taking security and a new naval base very seriously. I will continue to advocate for Drogheda Port to be considered as a maritime hub and security base. I thank the Minister of State for giving what I will take as a positive and encouraging response.