asked the Minister for Defence what plans exist for hydrographic surveys of Irish coastal waters (a) by the naval service, (b) by foreign navies and, if so, which ones, (c) by port authorities, and (d) by any other bodies.
Written Answers. - Hydrographic Surveys.
148.
No plans exist for hydrographic surveys of Irish coastal waters by the naval service at present.
The British Hydrographic Department has, since 1963, been engaged in carrying out a hydrographic survey of an extensive area of the North Atlantic to the north-west of Ireland including certain Irish harbours and coastal waters. Our authorities are co-operating with the British in this survey, the results of which will be made available to us. To date surveying has been carried out in Lough Swilly, Sligo Harbour and Killybegs Harbour. It is anticipated that the British Hydrographic Department will continue the survey in 1967 but it is not possible at this stage to say what further Irish harbours or coastal waters may be included.
I have no information as to any plans for hydrographic surveys by port authorities or other bodies.