The Government tonight unveiled an inventory of thousands of shipwrecked vessels off the east coast.
It is estimated there are around 15,000 wrecks in Irish waters, and the study documents more than 3000 off counties Louth, Meath, Dublin and Wicklow.
The Shipwreck Inventory of Irelandis published by the National Monuments Service of the Department of the Environment.
The inventory is aimed at archaeologists, maritime historians, divers, anglers, developers, planners and anyone with an interest in maritime affairs.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley said the study also points to the human dimension of the various maritime tragedies in seafaring history.
"Most of us will have heard of well documented sinkings such as the RMS Leinsterwhich was torpedoed near the Kish Light in 1918 with the loss of 501 lives," Mr Gormley said.
“But many other wrecks scattered around our coast carry with them in turn sad tales of personal loss and tragedy which we must not lose sight of as we study these pages.”
The Minister, who unveiled the book on the famine ship the Jeanie Johnstonin Dublin's docklands, said the inventory was necessary to develop a full understanding and appreciation of our past.
He also congratulated author Karl Brady for his hard work, scholarship and commitment.
PA