Russia has pulled out of planned military exercises off the Irish coast.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney has confirmed the relocation of the exercises.
Minister Coveney said he had written to his Russian counterpart requesting a reconsideration of the naval exercises.
He received a letter in response this evening confirming the exercises will be moved to a different location.
“This week I wrote to my counterpart, the Minister of Defence of Russia, to request a reconsideration of naval exercises off the Irish coast,” Mr Coveney said in a post on social media.
“This evening I received a letter confirming the Russian exercises will be relocated outside of Ireland’s EEZ. I welcome this response.”
The exercises, involving the launching of rockets, were due to take place off the southwest Irish coast in February.
The Department of Transport had released an official warning over the “live fire” navy exercises, cautioning of “serious safety risks” posed to shipowners and seafarers as the exercises were carried out from February 3rd to 8th.
The planned drills were criticised by the Government, with both the Taoiseach and Mr Coveney previously stating they were “not welcome”.
Irish fishermen also called for the navy exercises to move away from the fishing grounds used by Irish boats, with representatives meeting with the Russian ambassador over the issue.
