The Irish naval vessel the LÉ Samuel Beckett has become a makeshift testing centre for the coronavirus.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) made the announcement,  alongside the Irish Naval Service, on Sunday.

Picture shows navy personnel at the entrance of the LÉ Samuel Beckett, which is being used as a COVID-19 coronavirus testing facility, moored on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin | Image: Julien Behal

It is the country's first operational testing centre on a vessel.

Work has been ongoing to convert the ship as needed - this included essential services like power and lighting.

The LÉ Samuel Beckett, which is being used as a COVID-19 coronavirus testing facility, moored on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin | Image: Julien Behal

It is moored on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin city.

mage via @DF_Engineers on Twitter

The ship is an offshore patrol vessel, which holds a crew of 44.

mage via @DF_Engineers on Twitter

The vessel has previously participated in rescue missions in the Mediterranean.

mage via @DF_Engineers on Twitter

It has also been involved in a European military operation targeting gangs and vessels involved in trafficking.