asked the Minister for Energy if he is aware of the local residents' objections to the reconstruction of the Whiddy Oil Terminal; his position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Whiddy Oil Terminal.
16.
I am aware of local concerns which have been voiced on this issue which I understand are reflected in a number of appeals which have been lodged by local groups against Cork County Council's granting of planning permission. Since these objections are now with An Bord Pleanála, I do not think that it would be appropriate for me to make a statement on the matter at this juncture.
Is the Minister aware of the concern of the fish farming groups in the Bantry Bay area and will he see that there is adequate protection for mussel farmers, in particular?
I am aware of the concern of the fish farming groups in the area. At an extremely busy clinic in Tralee recently I had a visit from them and, despite my local interest in my clinic, I tried to give them a good hearing. Everything that can be done will be done to protect what has become a very worthwhile project in the Bantry Bay area and it is in everybody's interest if it can be protected and accommodated.
May I remind the Minister that I, too, had a very busy meeting in Bantry some time ago? Subsequently I sent a proposal to the Department of which the Minister may not be aware. In it I said these groups would be satisfied if their interests were protected by way of bonding on behalf of the company. This is not an unreasonable request. Despite the long time that has elapsed since the disaster in Bantry Bay nobody has got one penny compensation. These people have built up a fine business and they are entitled to be bonded against a repetition of such a thing happening again. Is the Minister aware of my proposal to have bonding embodied in the permissions being given to the Gulf/ Chevron company when redeveloping the Whiddy Island terminal?
I agree they have built up a fine industry and deserve every protection possible to secure their interests and we are working towards that.
Will the Minister make bonding a condition? He will not? This means they wasted their time going to Tralee.