asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his Department keep any records on the incidence of oil pollution around the coast; whether there has been any increases in the incidence of such pollution; and what steps are contemplated to control it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Pollution.
53.
My Department keeps records on the incidence of oil pollution around the coast. There has not been any increase in the extent of such pollution recently.
The discharge of oil into the sea is governed by the International Convention for the Prevention of the Pollution of the Sea by Oil which was implemented by the Oil Pollution of the Sea Acts, 1956 and 1965. In addition, harbour authorities' bye-laws made under the Harbours Act, 1946, include regulations prohibiting the discharge of oil from vessels in port waters. In recent years a number of successful prosecutions have been taken in respect of oil pollution offences. My predecessor set up a working group to advise on what measures should be taken to deal with serious oil pollution affecting Irish territorial and adjoining seas and beaches. The report of the group has just been submitted to me and I shall have to consider its findings before deciding what further measures should be taken both to guard against oil pollution and to clear up any pollution that might occur.
The Minister is aware, whatever about the information available to his Department about no increase occurring lately in oil pollution, that, in the Bantry Bay region, complaints have been made by fishermen in regard to pollution. He must be aware of the overall large threat to our tourist industry if these reports are substantiated by an actual increase in oil pollution at our seaside resorts.
This problem is both national and international and it arises as a result of the vastly increased oil tonnage being carried all over the world in the past ten years. I am considering a report from a working party set up to study the full implications of the matter, particulars of which will come before the House in due course.
Whatever about present checks, it is a fact that only a week ago at the Dublin port and docks at least ten barrels of crude oil poured into the surrounding area. A report on this was made some days after the event, so it appears that a lackadaisical check is maintained at present.
I shall be answering questions on this very matter here tomorrow. There was tremendous expedition of this report on oil pollution and the whole matter was cleared up due to the very speedy action that was taken and the oil pollution was removed.
The company were aware of the leakage some days before the public authorities were made aware of it.
No. The company reported the matter on that very day to the Dublin Port and Docks Board.