A €31m marine research vessel, the Celtic Explorer, has been commissioned by the Minister for the Marine, Mr Dermot Ahern.
The Galway-based vessel is designed to conduct international deep sea research, but its work will focus in the main on the immediate Irish coastal region, an area which covers 220 million acres. It can accommodate up to 31 people and will remain at sea for periods of up to 45 days.
Speaking at the official commissioning of the ship, the Minister said. "The work to be carried out by the vessel is invaluable - Ireland now has the capability to explore the extent of its marine territory and fully participate in international deep-sea research," he said.
Under the National Development Fund, €52m has been earmarked for marine research, with work set to begin this summer on the new headquarters of the Marine Institute in Oranmmore, Co Galway.
The vessel will commence duties over the next two weeks.