Ireland must be responsible for its own maritime security

Ireland, positioned strategically in the North Atlantic, finds itself at the nexus of a vast network of undersea fibre-optic cables, carrying about 97 per cent of the world’s communications and internet traffic.

With over 550 cables spanning 1.4 million kilometres and a staggering ten trillion euros in financial transactions pulsating through them daily, the importance of these cables cannot be overstated.

Yet, as global tensions escalate, with major geopolitical players like the United States, China, and Russia increasingly at odds, the spotlight turns to Ireland’s role in overseeing and securing these critical infrastructures. The importance impacts not only Ireland but also the broader European and global community.

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This raises a crucial question: Should Ireland take responsibility for its own security, especially in protecting these undersea cables that are vital not only for its own prosperity but also for the functioning of the global digital economy?

This article explores why Ireland should, now more than ever, take a proactive stance in securing its waters and, by extension, a significant portion of the world’s digital lifelines.

Ireland’s geographical location places it at a critical juncture in this global network. The nation’s waters are a nexus for these cables, where three-quarters of all cables either pass through or are near Irish territory. This unique positioning imbues Ireland with a strategic significance far exceeding its size. Most transatlantic communications linking Europe with North America rely on these cables that thread through Irish waters. They rely on the safety of the waters for which Ireland is responsible.

Any accidental or deliberate disruption could have a far-reaching and devastating impact. Disruptions can cripple international finance, impede critical communications, and hamper governmental operations. The strategic imperative for Ireland, therefore, is clear. As the custodian of a critical segment of this global infrastructure, Ireland must recognise and embrace its role in safeguarding these undersea cables. This responsibility is towards its citizens and the international community, which depends on the uninterrupted flow of data and transactions these cables facilitate

A disruption could destabilise Ireland, send shockwaves through the global financial system, and disrupt international communication networks. It’s a scenario that would affect nations and economies and also the day-to-day lives of people across the globe.

Recommendations from experts and analysts include:

• Strengthening the Naval Service to enable Ireland to conduct more frequent and effective patrols, ensuring a consistent presence in pivotal areas.
• Beyond expanding naval capabilities, there is a consensus on the need for Ireland to actively engage with international security frameworks.
• Although not a NATO member, Ireland can still participate in initiatives like NATO’s Critical Undersea Infrastructure Protection Cell. This involvement would facilitate the exchange of information, assessment of threats, and coordinated response strategies. It would also enable Ireland to draw upon the expertise and resources of allied nations in protecting these vital assets.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin’s recent remarks resonate with the urgency of this issue. He highlights the vulnerabilities facing communication infrastructures and stresses the need for Ireland to adopt a proactive approach.

• This involves physical security measures and technological advancements in monitoring and safeguarding the cables. Investments in underwater drones, advanced surveillance systems, and cybersecurity measures could significantly enhance Ireland’s defensive capabilities.
• Furthermore, the potential for international collaboration must be noticed. Ireland can form partnerships with other nations whose security and economic interests are aligned with the protection of these cables. Such alliances could lead to joint patrols, shared intelligence, and coordinated responses to threats, providing a more formidable defence than any single nation could achieve independently.

Recent Developments

In recent times, Ireland has witnessed significant developments in its approach to maritime security, particularly concerning the protection of undersea cables. A substantial operation was recently launched by the Irish Government in the Irish Sea, as reported by TheJournal.ie, this operation, initiated by the Department of Defence, directly responded to heightened concerns following the attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines.

It represented a concerted effort by the Irish Defence Forces, involving the Irish Air Corps and Naval Service, along with assistance from specialist units such as the Army Ranger Wing, military intelligence officers, and Communication Information Services Corps members. The primary objective of this operation was to “increase presence” in the waters above the cables and pipelines.

This operation involved targeted patrols, focusing on the natural gas interconnectors and electricity cables deemed vulnerable. The Naval Service’s deployment of at least two vessels, aimed at establishing an overt presence, was designed to monitor any suspicious ships or activities in the area. Complementing the Naval Service’s efforts, the Air Corps played a crucial role using CASA maritime patrol aircraft and PC-12 surveillance planes.

Furthermore, Ireland’s engagement in international military exercises has also been noteworthy. The participation of Irish personnel in the NATO-supported naval activity off the coast of Sesimbra, Portugal, marked a significant step on the road to taking maritime security seriously. This exercise, known as REPMUS, was the largest of its kind, involving underwater drones and featuring participation from fifteen NATO countries. Ireland’s involvement was as an observer in this exercise.

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The Imperative of Ireland’s Self-Reliance

A report by The Irish Times reveals that Britain’s Royal Navy is working with Ireland to secure subsea cables in the North Atlantic using the new RFA Proteus, including areas within Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This underscores Ireland’s limitations in independently securing its maritime assets and its reliance on its neighbour.

RFA Proteus will serve as the launchpad for remotely-operated vehicles and a home to a suite of specialist capabilities similar to those found in the oil and gas industries.
The ship, which will be operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – the crucial support arm of the Royal Navy – will serve as a testbed for advancing science and technological development, enabling the UK to maintain the competitive edge beneath the waves.

The Irish Naval Service, at present, does not possess the capability to monitor these crucial cables, leaving a void filled by its neighbour.

This situation is further illuminated by a recent report detailing an incident where a Russian submarine, positioned near vital cables off Cork Harbour, was countered by British forces due to Ireland’s lack of capability in underwater surveillance.

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Historically, Ireland had some level of this capability. Still, due to budget constraints and prioritisation, this has waned over the years.

Ireland’s reliance on external support for its maritime security is not sustainable in the long term. It raises concerns about national sovereignty, operational independence, and the ability to respond promptly and effectively to threats within its territorial waters.

For a nation strategically located on the transatlantic communication route, the ability to autonomously secure its maritime infrastructure is not just a matter of national pride but a necessity for national security and economic well-being.

The need for Ireland to develop its own capabilities is pressing, in my opinion. As I have discussed above, this could involve enhancing the Irish Naval Service in terms of fleet size and staffing and technological advancement, such as acquiring modern surveillance equipment, underwater drones, and sonar capabilities.

Investing in these areas would bolster Ireland’s security posture and contribute to a more balanced and resilient regional security architecture. Moreover, self-reliance in maritime security would allow Ireland to exert greater control over its EEZ, protecting critical infrastructure from external threats and its neutrality.

It would also enhance Ireland’s standing as a responsible and capable actor in international security, able to contribute meaningfully to collective efforts in safeguarding vital transnational infrastructure.