Ireland and UK set new protocol to report subsea cable incidents after joint exercise

Ireland and the United Kingdom have put in place a new protocol for reporting subsea cable incidents, following a joint tabletop exercise that tested how both countries would respond to cable disruption. The move was confirmed by Ireland's Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, at a maritime security conference in Dublin. It comes amid growing concern about the vulnerability of undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic and Irish waters.

McEntee said the two countries had recently tested their response through an exercise called Eastern Pearl. She told delegates that subsea cables crossing Irish waters carry a significant share of global internet traffic, and that the network is more exposed because of increased hybrid threats. The minister also said Ireland sits at the centre of major transatlantic data routes, with 75% of transatlantic cables passing through Irish waters.

The minister linked the new reporting arrangement to wider efforts to protect critical infrastructure, including energy pipelines and maritime trade routes. She said more than 80% of Ireland's natural gas arrives through two subsea pipelines, while 90% of trade by volume moves by sea. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has also established the Subsea Communications Cables Industry Forum, bringing together government and cable operators.

The announcement was made during a flagship defence event held as part of the Irish EU Presidency at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The event is focused on maritime challenges facing European states and on improving information-sharing between governments, industry and the military. McEntee said the aim is to help "future-proof" European maritime security, reflecting a broader push to strengthen resilience against disruption at sea.

The policy shift also follows the Government's first National Maritime Security Strategy, launched earlier this year, which prioritises the protection of critical undersea infrastructure and is aligned with the EU's Maritime Security Strategy. Since legislation enacted in July, the Irish Defence Forces have specific functions in safeguarding the state's rights in territorial seas and in Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone. Work is also under way on a Defence Forces node to access the EU's Common Information Sharing Environment, due to become operational in 2027, alongside participation in the European Defence Agency's MARSUR project.

What remains unclear is how the new protocol will operate in practice, including how quickly incidents will be reported and what level of coordination will follow between authorities and operators. The announcement does not set out any specific incident or threat, but it signals a more formalised response to risks affecting subsea cables, pipelines and other maritime assets. Further detail may emerge as the new reporting arrangements are implemented and as Ireland expands its information-sharing links with European partners.

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