Irish peacekeeping troops in Lebanon will be returning home within the next three to four weeks, as a fresh battalion prepares to take their place.

Their replacements are continuing their training in Donegal and Athlone and are due to fly out to take control of peacekeeping duties.

Taoiseach Simon Harris says he's been assured by the Lebanese Prime Minister that the rotation will be done safely.

Former Irish Ranger and Independent TD Cathal Berry says the rotation “appears to be proceeding as planned”.

“The Irish troops are still safe and well in South Lebanon,” he said.

“They will be rotating in about three-to-four weeks time, so there's a fresh battalion of Irish troops training in Donegal and Athlone at the moment.

“They will be replacing and the troops that have been out there for the last six months.”

Almost 350 of the Defence Forces are currently serving in the country, following their deployment to Southern Lebanon.