During the first week of February, Russia proposes to flex its military muscle, testing its missiles, in a posturing display of weaponry, off the coast of West Cork.

240k from the coast is within the Exclusive Economic Zone and around the Porcupine Seabight/Goban Spur, A very important habitat in the NE Atlantic for deep diving whales, dolphins and migrating wildlife. The tests would potentially kill sea creatures, crustaceans, shellfish, cold-water coral reef dwellers and marine mammals within a few kilometers.  Marine mammals within kilometers could be injured and suffer permanent or temporary hearing loss, leading to the death of some individuals.  The mating season for Long Finned Pilot Whales typically occurs in the colder early spring months. All cetaceans (whales and their relatives) are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and are all included on Annex IV of the Directive as species 'in need of strict protection'. 

We have zero information on whether the Russians are using active sonar? uranium tipped missiles? would they collect the exploded toxic debris left all over our ocean bed? will they collect the beached carcasses of whales, dolphins and fish washed up on our shore, killed in their testing?

It is illegal under EU and national law to willingly carry out activities within the EEZ, which are known to significantly affect marine mammals and their habitats. Other countries have banned military exercises why doesn't Ireland? 

Other coastal countries ban similar missile testing why doesn't Ireland? Stand together and protect our waters.

Besides being catastrophic environmentally. This in itself affects our sovereignty. This puts our country in danger.