Coronavirus battle in Cork: Navy and army helping frontline; LÉ Eithne crew delivering supplies across the city

THE crew of the LÉ Eithne have been tasked to deliver personal protective equipment to HSE locations across the city.

The vessel is docked in Cork city since March 20, awaiting a tasking from the HSE as part of the Covid-19 operation.

Since Tuesday, the vessel’s crew has been delivering PPE and alcohol-based handrub to numerous locations.

A spokesman for the Defence Forces said the locations change every day.

He also said it is unlikely that the LÉ Eithne will be used as a test centre in the immediate future.

The LÉ Samuel Beckett and the LÉ William Butler Yeats are already being used as test centres in Dublin and Galway.

Two weeks ago, the Defence Forces notified the Navy to place vessels in Cork, Dublin, and Galway for a possible tasking by the HSE.

Last July, a decision was taken to withdraw the LÉ Eithne and the LÉ Orla from service because of not having enough staff in the Navy.

The LÉ Eithne was identified for the role because it was in dock in Haulbowline. It is now anchored at Kennedy Quay.

It was also deemed suitable because it has a flight deck to facilitate a helicopter.

All three vessels have been involved in the humanitarian efforts with refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean in recent years.

This gave the crews experience of testing for infectious diseases as such tests were among the duties carried out during the Mediterranean missions.

The LÉ Eithne was commissioned into service in 1984.

It was the first Irish Naval Ship to cross the Atlantic, when she sailed to the United States in 1986, visiting Hamilton, New York, and Boston.

It has a crew of 55 personnel.

Yesterday, army personnel were onsite at the Mercy University Hospital (MUH), helping to erect tents outside the facility in order to “maximise site capability” at the city hospital.

A spokesperson for the Mercy University Hospital confirmed that it is engaging with the Defence Forces for logistical support as part of its COVID-19 preparedness plan.

"This is in line with HSE protocols and allows MUH to maximise site capability.

“The support includes the use of marquees in close proximity to the hospital that will provide the necessary physical distancing space for staff and ED patient flow,” the spokesperson said.