asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is satisfied with the precautions taken by Gulf Oil in Bantry Bay to ensure the safety of the super-tankers plying to and from the oil terminal on Whiddy Island and that all navigational hazards are adequately marked.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Safety of Tankers.
10.
The Gulf Oil Company following consultation with the Commissioners of Irish Lights provided and maintain in Bantry Bay ten navigation buoys, each of which is fitted with a radar reflector, for the safe navigation of vessels coming to and from the oil terminal at Whiddy Island. The company also had a hydro-graphic survey and a sonar sweep of the area carried out to ensure that there were no underwater hazards to vessels in the approach channel. I am satisfied that every precaution has been taken for the safe navigation of large tankers in these waters.
Is the Minister aware there is a marker known as Whiddy No. 9 which shifts its position approximately 200 feet in certain weather conditions? This is creating a serious hazard for the pilots who navigate the tankers at Whiddy. Is the Minister aware that this marker is causing serious concern and is a hazard to the pilots?
I am not so aware. I presume if the pilots have brought this to the attention of my Department arrangements will be made with Irish Lights to have it secured. Does the Deputy know if this is being done?
As far as I know the marker still shifts its position approximately 200 feet in certain weather conditions.
I will have the matter brought to the attention of Irish Lights and will ask them to have it secured.
Can the Minister state if Bantry Bay will have harbour commissioners in the near future? We have been waiting for this for a long time.
I cannot promise harbour commissioners in Bantry Bay in the near future but I am looking into the matter.