The cost of berthing, maintenance and crewing a ship at the centre of one of Ireland’s biggest drug seizures has topped the €15 million mark.
The MV Matthew was boarded off the Cork coast in September 2023, and cocaine with an estimated street value of €157 million was discovered on board.
Eight crew members were subsequently jailed, receiving sentences totalling 129 years.
The bulk carrier, however, has remained tied up in Cork Harbour ever since.
Figures released to All About Cork show that berthing, crewing and maintenance costs have now reached €15,170,797.
Payments made by Revenue in respect of the maintenance and management of the MV Matthew from September 2023 to the end of April 2026
Reacting to the costs, Cork South-Central Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said: “The figures are eye-watering and the Government needs to explain what’s going on here.
“It is also extremely unfair on people living in the area, who have to listen to the ship’s noisy engines both day and night.
“Yes, the vessel had to be impounded, but how much longer is it going to remain tied up, and at what cost to the taxpayer?”
A spokesperson for the Revenue Commissioners said: “Revenue is working to finalise all matters to enable the departure of the vessel.
“It is not possible to give a timeframe for its departure at this time.”
It is thought that the vessel is now worth no more than €8 million.
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