Green Party leader Eamonn Ryan said the navy needed investment and the ability to patrol the Atlantic like Russia.
In a roundtable interview with reporters, Ryan said there was no specific threat to underwater infrastructure and no evidence that Russia was interested in Irish energy projects, but added: “They are patrolling the Atlantic. We must make that possible,” he added. They patrol often as well. ”
He answered questions about the safety of fiber optic cables and the future of offshore renewable energy following Russian naval activity off the south coast of Ireland.
The Environment and Communications Minister said that in general, with backup connections to other European countries and perhaps as far away as Japan, the security of internet connections would be “less risky even if a warship tried to disconnect them.” Ta. North Pole.
“It sounds a little ‘science fiction’ or a little crazy, but it’s actually within reach,” he said.
A key project in recent years was a fiber optic cable planned between Iceland and Ireland, he said.
Mr Ryan pointed out that all of Ireland’s fiber optic connections go through the US and UK, but the planned interconnection with France would add a link to continental Europe.
He added that he hoped the government would submit a proposal for fiber optic cables to Spain and Portugal “that is contracted and clearly on track” before leaving office.
“Fiber optic connectivity is just as important as energy connectivity. Fiber optic connectivity provides security and reduces risk even when cables run in different directions,” he said.
Mr Ryan backed the Tánaiste and Defense Minister Michael Martin’s plans to table the Defense Forces Committee’s report, particularly on the need for investment in naval and radar systems.
[ Over a quarter of military officers intend to quit within five years, representative organisation says ]
[ As Ireland seeks to upgrade its military, arms manufacturers take interest ]
Ryan said the country needs to have “a fully crewed naval patrol force.”
He said he believed having a naval vessel in Dun Laoghaire would help recruit people to live in Dublin.
The Green Party leader also said he hoped the coalition government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael would continue until the end of his term in 2025. Elections must be held by March of the same year.
[ How the US weaponised fibre-optic cables, data centres and the financial system ]
“Our government is probably one of the best-functioning in the European Union. That’s very important in a world where politics in the US and UK are not in good shape and there is real uncertainty. “At a time when we have a relatively stable government, why don’t we just keep moving forward?” he said.
Mr Ryan ruled out the Green Party agreeing a pre-election deal with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
The Green Party said: “We believe the urgent challenge of climate change belongs to everyone and we need to tackle it with all options.”
Mr Ryan said he was visiting every local authority in the country as part of a “listening exercise” and planned to visit the final four counties – Cavan, Donegal, Fingal and Meath – by the end of January.
He denied any suggestion that there was a disconnect between the Green Party and rural Ireland, saying Ireland was “home” to him.
Mr Ryan said he was “absolutely confident” his party would win parliamentary seats in Kerry, Mayo and Donegal in June’s local elections.
“We have great candidates in every county and we are absolutely confident that they will win seats,” he said.
“Why doesn’t our policy apply as much to County Kerry as it does to Dublin?”
Asked if his party intended to run against the Kerry political dynasty, the Healey Leys, which currently holds three seats in the county, Mr Ryan said: “Absolutely.”
- Apply push alert Get the best news, analysis and commentary delivered straight to your phone
- search Irish Times on WhatsApp Stay up to date
- The In The News podcast is published daily – find the latest episode here