The Naval Service has bowed to an order from the Minister for Defence to relocate its headquarters from Dublin to Cork, in advance of Government implementation of key structural changes in the defence wing.
The Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, Commodore John J. Kavanagh, and the executive command comprising four officers directly answerable to him, will take up positions in Haulbowline, Cork, today. Since 1946 the executive command of the Naval Service has been a part of Defence Forces headquarters in Dublin, while the operational base for the fleet has been in Cork.
Six non-commissioned officers who did not wish to leave Dublin have been assigned to Army duties at Defence Forces headquarters.
The move had been recommended in last year's Price Waterhouse review of the Naval Service and Air Corps, but only after considerable devolution of powers, including separate budgetary control from the Army, had been initiated. The implementation plan for these measures is still with the Minister, Mr Smith, and there are fears within the service that the early move to Haulbowline will dilute influence at policy level.
A Defence Forces press office spokesman said that the relocation was an "aspiration" within the consultancy review, and it was very pleased to see it taking place at this stage. The Department of Defence acknowledged that the initials measures including devolution had not taken place.
The Price Waterhouse review, which the Government accepted in principle when it was published by the Minister last year, said that the heads of the Naval Service and Air Corps should have greater independence within the Defence Forces structure, and should be budget-holders for their respective areas of responsibility.
Price Waterhouse said that the Naval Service headquarters should be relocated to Haulbowline, and the Air Corps headquarters to Baldonnel, "if our recommendations on formal agreements with customers, and for substantial devolution and delegation within the overall Defence structures, are accepted and implemented".
"Given the extent of fundamental systemic change required as a precursor to such moves, it is unlikely that these relocations will be possible in the short term," the consultants said, adding that "relocation of headquarters should, however, remain the aim once the necessary conditions are put in place."
The formal change will be marked by a short ceremony today when the Flag Officer will take a guard of honour and a parade of all naval personnel. This will be followed by a commissioning, which marks a breakdown in the rigid class structure within the service. Petty Officer Ian Boylan of Skerries, Co Dublin, and Petty Officer Ger Minihane of Carrigaline, Co Cork, will be commissioned as officers, working with the electronic engineering branch of the Naval Service.
Further courses are to be held to encourage ratings and non-commissioned officers to train as officers and meet shortages in key areas, such as bridge watch-keeping.
