Final batch of troops return from Lebanon

The final rotation of 170 Irish troops from the 115th Infantry Battalion, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) returned home this afternoon to Dublin Airport following an eight month deployment which was extended due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

They had been due to fly home on May 12 and May 19, but had their tour of duty extended after the United Nations Secretary General, on April 5, directed the suspension of all rotations and leave for military personnel serving in UN missions.

The first rotation of troops from the 115 Infantry Battalion returned from service on June 22.

The second rotation returned today and the personnel were transported to McKee Barracks for a medical screening before travelling home where they will undergo a 14 day isolation period. The 115th Infantry Battalion are drawn primarily from 1 Brigade.

A total of 338 Defence Forces personnel deployed with the 115th Infantry Battalion.

The 115th Inf Bn have been replaced by the 116 Inf Bn who will undergo a 14 day isolation period on arrival.

Personnel who served with the 115th Inf Bn represented twenty-four (24) counties across Ireland: Armagh 1, Donegal 1, Limerick 10, Roscommon 6, Carlow 13, Galway 13, Longford 3, Tipperary 18, Cavan 1, Kerry 2, Louth 5, Waterford 13, Clare 5, Kildare 33, Meath 2, Westmeath 9,Cork 64, Kilkenny 50, Offaly 7, Wexford 17, Down 1, Laois 7, Wicklow 4, Dublin 19.