The Irish Sea is less calm than Halifax, but a convoy could assemble there while already under steam. In a sufficiently secure area, ships could join the formation and build up speed before leaving. Access to Irish harbours would also allow escorts and hunter-killer groups to operate from positions closer to Atlantic convoys. These advantages depend on the counterfactual in which a German attack brings Ireland into the war.
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Irish convoy assembly and forward escort bases
Irish access could permit convoys to assemble while underway and place escort groups closer to their Atlantic operating areas.