Commemorative coin of submarine inventor presented to Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister Simon Coveney

Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO Marine Institute, presented two Silver Proof collector coins that commemorate the Irish born submarine inventor John Phillip Holland [1841 – 1914], to an Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister Simon Coveney, during their recent visit to the Marine Institute.

Highlighting the significance of our strong maritime history, Dr Heffernan explained how "Ireland is at the cutting edge of international marine research driving ocean discovery and exploration. Supporting the Irish led first trans-Atlantic mapping survey from Newfoundland to Galway this coming month (June 2015), the Marine Institute's national research vessel RV Celtic Explorer will be using its extensive multibeam sonar equipment mapping parts of the Atlantic seabed."

The oceans are the life support system of our planet. Producing half the oxygen we breathe; providing us with a wealth of resources including food, minerals and energy; as well as affecting our moderate climate in Ireland, it is essential that we continue to improve our understanding of how the ocean impacts our lives," he said.

By 2020, in partnership with the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance between the EU, Canada and USA which was established by the signing of the Galway Statement in 2013, "we aim to be able to predict the major risks and changes in the dynamics of the Atlantic Ocean. Just as John Phillip Holland set out to discover the depths of the sea over one hundred years ago, we continue this quest of discovery and innovation through advanced technology."