‘Drug ship’ MV Matthew may be in Cork for 'several months'

It will take “several months” before Revenue can dispose of alleged drug-trafficking ship MV Matthew, despite getting court permission to do so nearly six months ago.

Noise from the ship has been disturbing residents of Passage West since October 2023, with several locals having complained to Cork County Council about loud engine sounds.

The ship, which is costing the State €100,000 per week to maintain, was stormed by a specialist wing of the Irish Defence Forces in September 2023 off the Cork coast, and 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, worth an estimated €157m, were seized.

In October of last year, Revenue said it was not possible to completely shut down a vessel of this size, “as generator power is required 24/7”, and said that the ship could not be disposed of, because it is evidence in a court case. However, Revenue were granted permission to dispose of the ship nearly six months ago.

Disposal

A spokesperson for Revenue told The Echo: “An order of disposal was granted in respect of the MV Matthew on December 2, 2024. Revenue moved to put arrangements in place for the disposal of the vessel thereafter, and have engaged a provider of integrated shipping services, with expertise in ship broking, finance, research, compliance, and all aspects of international shipping.

“This will ensure that all regulations are complied with during the disposal process, whilst also maximising, to the greatest extent possible, the market for potential purchasers across numerous jurisdictions,” said the spokesperson.

“The disposal process is expected to remain ongoing for several more months, and the vessel will remain under the care and management of Revenue in the interim period.”

Expedited 

Speaking to The Echo, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central, Seamus McGrath, said the disposal process needs to be expedited.

“It’s taking too long to dispose of the ship,” Mr McGrath said. 

“I’m very concerned about the delays with the process. We’re now well into May and being told by Revenue that it will take several more months.

“In reality, that could be the end of the year.

“I’ll be calling on Revenue to review the disposal process and try to speed it up, because the community have put up with a lot in terms of noise, and it really needs to be sorted.”

Also speaking to The Echo, Sinn Féin councillor Eoghan Fahy said it was “extremely disappointing that Revenue is still giving the same update as they have been since last year”.

“I believe Revenue need to at least advise us of what steps have been taken, to date, and what they intend to do in the coming weeks and months to dispose of the MV Matthew and not continuously issue what is an automated, robotic response,” said Mr Fahy.

“They are not the ones living with the noise and eyesore.”