The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, has welcomed the introduction of new statutory powers for the Defence Forces aimed at enhancing Ireland’s ability to protect its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The measures were signed into law last week as part of the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026.
According to the Department of Defence, the legislation formally assigns specific functions to the Defence Forces in safeguarding Ireland’s maritime domain and protecting the State’s sovereign rights at sea. The move follows growing concerns about threats to critical offshore infrastructure, including undersea communications cables, energy interconnectors and future offshore renewable energy assets.
The new powers are closely linked to Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy, published earlier this year, and come amid increased international focus on maritime security and the activities of vessels associated with Russia’s so-called “Shadow Fleet”.
While much of the attention will focus on Naval Service operations, the legislation also has significance for the Irish Air Corps, which plays an important role in maritime surveillance around Ireland’s coastline. Air Corps aircraft regularly support the monitoring of Irish waters, providing aerial reconnaissance and assisting wider Defence Forces and State maritime security operations. The enhanced legal framework should help underpin future joint maritime security missions involving both air and naval assets.
The legislation also strengthens protections for military installations and provides a clearer statutory basis for Defence Forces personnel carrying out security-related duties. The development highlights the increasing importance of airborne maritime surveillance and the growing role of the Air Corps in protecting critical national infrastructure both on land and at sea.
