Overview
- The Justice Minister said the drones were not hobbyist devices and were intended to pressure EU and Ukrainian interests, while stressing attribution remains undetermined.
- An Garda Síochána’s Special Detective Unit is investigating with Defence Forces support and international intelligence partners, and the Taoiseach expects a full report.
- Crew aboard the LÉ William Butler Yeats observed multiple drones more than 10km offshore east of Howth and Dublin Bay, obtained extensive video, and did not engage the aircraft.
- The government plans increased spending on anti‑drone tools, enhanced cyber defenses and new radar systems as Ireland prepares for its EU presidency in 2026.
- RTÉ identified a vessel present in the area that was previously suspected in subsea cable damage, an incident later deemed accidental by Scandinavian investigators, with the ship’s owners denying sabotage.