Cosaint, as it was formally named at the ceremony, will be operated by Revenue’s specialised Maritime Unit, responsible for patrolling Ireland’s 3,173kms of coastline.
At 35 metres in length, with a gross tonnage of 204 tonnes, the new and improved replacement for Revenue Cutstom Cutter ‘Suirbhéir,’ was commissioned in 2023, recognising the work that Revenue enforcement do in intercepting and dismantling core supply chains of those involved in criminal activity.
Among the speakers at yesterday’s event was Chairman of Niall Coady of the Board of the Revenue Commissioners, and Commissioner Maura Kiely.
“Our enforcement teams have achieved exceptional results in recent years. Since January 2023 they have made more than 35,000 seizures of illegal drugs, amounting to 110 tonnes, and with an estimated value of over €650 million,” said Mr Coady.
Members of the crew on the deck of ‘Cosaint.’
Equipped with highly sophisticated navigational and surveillance systems, the Cutter was designed and built by the reputable Armon Group in Spain, after “several years of rigorous planning, construction and sea trials,” said Ricardo Garcia, Commercial Director of the Armon Group.
Cosaint which cost €8.75m (plus VAT), which was funded by the Exchequer and a grant from OLAF (the European Anti-Fraud Office) from the EU Anti-Fraud Programme, is energy efficient and importantly, highly manoeuvrable, which is said will significantly enhance the ability of Revenue’s Maritime Unit to undertake effective patrol duties and combat smuggling.
Commissioner Maura Kiely commended the courage and skill of those in the Maritime Unit in their protection of the Irish coastline.
“The record breaking results our enforcement teams have achieved are a testament to their hard work and dedication. Today we acknowledge their skills and courage, particularly that of our Maritime Unit who crew the Cutters and operate in challenging and difficult environments,” Ms Kiely said.
“The strategic working relationships our teams have with other national and international law enforcement agencies, including our Joint Task Force partners, is another key element in the successes we have achieved in our fight against drug trafficking,” she added.
‘Cosaint’ which is the Irish word for protection, reflects the important role Revenue’s enforcement teams play in protecting communities from illicit goods and criminal activity, and “is a clear demonstration of Revenue, and the Irish State’s, ongoing commitment to targeting illicit trade, smuggling and organised crime in the maritime domain,” said Mr Coady.