Ireland: a 2026–2030 maritime strategy addressing cyber issues and subsea cables

Ireland published in February 2026 its first national maritime security strategy (National Maritime Security Strategy 2026–2030).

This document marks an important evolution for this island state, which we particularly appreciate, highly dependent on its maritime infrastructure, but historically limited in terms of surveillance and protection capabilities over its maritime domain.

The strategy explicitly identifies the protection of critical infrastructure as a central issue, in particular subsea telecommunications cables and energy interconnectors (such as the Celtic Interconnector). These infrastructures are presented as essential to the country’s economic and digital functioning, in a context where a significant share of transatlantic data flows passes close to Irish waters.

The document also highlights that threats are evolving and are no longer purely physical. Authorities refer to risks related to hybrid threats, espionage and sabotage activities targeting these infrastructures, as well as the need to integrate the cyber dimension into maritime security.

In this context, improving Maritime Domain Awareness is identified as a structuring priority. The strategy therefore plans the development of enhanced surveillance capabilities, including sensors, satellite technologies and information sharing with international partners, in order to better detect suspicious activities around critical infrastructure.

The document also stresses the need for a comprehensive approach involving both public and private stakeholders. It highlights the importance of international cooperation, particularly with European partners and neighbouring states, to ensure the protection of subsea infrastructure and to address threats that clearly go beyond national boundaries.

Finally, the strategy points to the future development of national capabilities, while implicitly acknowledging the country’s current limitations in maritime surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure. This approach takes place in a broader context of rising tensions in the North Atlantic and increasing concerns regarding the security of subsea cables.

Beyond the Irish case, this document confirms a broader trend: maritime digital infrastructure, particularly subsea cables, is now fully integrated into national security policies, at the crossroads of maritime, energy and cyber issues.