A new Irish Naval Service Reserve vessel has been launched on Valentia Island in Co Kerry.
The Fionnghuala was engineered to enhance Ireland's maritime defence operations with specialised features and multi-purpose capabilities.
It will support a wide range of activities, including training, search and rescue and maritime security.
The vessel was commissioned by the Irish Naval Service Reserve and built at FM Marine Services’ Valentia Island facility.
It is the first vessel built in Ireland for the Irish Navy since the LÉ Eithne in 1984.
The Fionnghuala has twin gun mounts for security, a custom mast to house specialist communications equipment and instrumentation.
It also has an A-frame gantry to support dive operations and survey work, as well as a loading crane for efficient cargo handling.
"These features ensure that the Fionnghuala is a highly adaptable platform, capable of fulfilling multiple missions including multi-purpose training, surveillance, and support roles," according to a statement.
Where possible, Irish suppliers were used during the build and kit out, with the electronics supplied by a marine electronics supplier in Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis.
The launch of the Fionnghuala "represents a significant achievement" for FM Marine Services, said managing director Fionan Murphy.
"This vessel has been designed to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the Irish Naval Service Reserve. We are proud of the work we have done, providing a bespoke service that allowed us to work flexibly with the Irish Naval Service Reserve to deliver a vessel that we hope will prove to be an invaluable asset for training and operational support for years to come," he said.
Representatives from the Irish Naval Service, the Irish Naval Service Reserve and stakeholders from FM Marine Services attended the official launch.
