asked the Minister for Transport whether he is aware that work on removing the burnt crude oil in Bantry Bay, resulting from the Whiddy disaster, has been stopped; and whether he will take steps to ensure its resumption and completion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Pollution Removal.
50.
I am informed that local fishermen, using their own boats and scallop dredges, were commissioned by the insurers of the tanker Betelgeuse on October 24 last to dredge the scallop bed in the vicinity of the Gulf jetty with the object of ascertaining whether there was oil pollution on the seabed in this area and to remove any oil pollution found. The dredging disclosed the presence of congealed oil on the bed and fishermen continued to remove this oil until November 24, when work was suspended to allow the insurers to assess the situation. The area in question is small and seems to be confined to the area of the jetty.
The Deputy can be assured that I will take all necessary steps to ensure that any remaining oil pollution arising from the Whiddy disaster is removed.