Local soldiers preparing for departure to Lebanon
The latest group of Irish peacekeeping troops who will serve in South Lebanon is due to depart in the coming weeks, with 13 soldiers from Westmeath and 12 from Roscommon among the travelling contingent.
On Thursday last, October 31, the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, was in Custume Barracks, Athlone, to review the men and women of the 125th Infantry Battalion prior to their departure for a six-month deployment as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The 125th Inf Bn will consist of 381 personnel in total – 371 from the Irish Defence Forces and 10 from the Armed Forces of Malta – and the battalion will be led by Athlone resident Lt Col Shane Rockett.
While the peacekeeping involvement of Irish troops in Lebanon is nothing new, the recent escalation in violence between Israel and Hezbollah has added to the volatility of the environment in which the soldiers will be operating.
Thursday's event in Athlone came a day after a rocket stuck the main Irish base there, Camp Shamrock, in an an incident which thankfully resulted in no injuries and caused little damage to the facility.
During his speech in Athlone, Micheál Martin said decision to send Irish troops overseas on UN peacekeeping duty was one that was never taken lightly.
"This is particularly so today, given the ongoing conflict in Lebanon," he stated.
Addressing the family members of the soldiers, he said: "I understand, given the current situation, that this moment is filled with a mix of concern, uncertainty, but also pride for you.
"I want to acknowledge those feelings and assure you that I, and Government, share them also, as does the General Staff and my Department.
"I absolutely appreciate however that they are far more personal and intense for those who have loved ones preparing to deploy."
The 125th Inf Bn is due to depart in mid-November, though specific details of the deployment timeframe are still to be finalised.
"Peacekeeping is the most noble endeavour, and we have a very proud tradition of peacekeeping across the world, which our Defence Forces have excelled in," said the Tánaiste on Thursday.
"We will do everything we possibly can, and are prioritising force protection in Lebanon. We have invested very significantly over the last year in terms of Camp Shamrock itself, and outposts, in terms of ensuring that protection is a number one priority."
In his speech last week, the Fianna Fáil leader told the soldiers: "I am confident that your training, your preparation, and the experience among you equips you for the challenges that lie ahead.
"You will be in our thoughts and prayers throughout the duration of your tour of duty."