Russia's Navy plans to carry out exercises in international waters off the SouthWest coast of Ireland between February 3rd and 8th.
The Department of Transport has issued a notice warning seafarers of the risks posed by the exercises.
"Given the nature of the planned exercises and the presence of naval forces, vessels and crew are advised of serious safety risks in the operational area," the notice reads. "Masters should navigate their vessel to ensure safety at all times."
Yury Filatov, Russia's ambassador to Ireland, is meeting today with Cork based fishermen to discuss their concerns regarding the military manoeuvres.
Members of the South and West Fish Producers Organisation are planning a "peaceful protest" against the Russian Navy's exercises.
The group plans to conduct fishing close to the area where the Russian Navy plans to carry out their tests in the hopes it will discourage the Russians.
The organisation's CEO Patrick Murphy has expressed concern over potential disruption to marine wildlife.
"We do not want to add tensions or be part of anything that might be a knee-jerk reaction by this nation, so we’re hoping the dialogue that we have with the ambassador, and it’s been positive to date, will rectify our concerns," Murphy said of his group's meeting with the ambassador. "We are not going to be sending our boats into danger, but we’re letting everybody know these boats were going there before the Russians."
