FIVE of the Defence Force's €1.3m Mowag armoured vehicles have been out of service for close to two years in need of major refurbishment.

The personnel carriers have not been used since being brought back from an overseas UN mission in Africa in June 2007.

The five Mowags had been in service on the Defence Forces tour in Liberia but suffered wear-and-tear in the harsh terrain of west Africa.

Common problems including gearbox faults and tyre damage have been blamed for keeping the vehicles out of service for so long.

Defence Forces spokesman Commandant Gavin Young said: "There are three Mowag Piranha III armoured vehicles awaiting planned refurbishment after their return from Liberia in June 2007.

"Two more are currently undergoing refurbishment and are expected back in service in May/June this year. The other 17 that returned at the same time have been refurbished and are in full use."