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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Jun 1986

Vol. 368 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Navigational Stations.

14.

asked the Minister for Communications if he is aware of the concern of fishermen at the threatened withdrawal of Racal Decca from the operation of navigational stations and signals from United Kingdom stations which would seriously affect fishing activities in the north-west, the east coast and other fishing grounds; if he has discussed the matter with the UK authorities; the action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Racal Decca, a private company, operate a marine navigation aid system — known as the Decca chain system — on a commercial basis. The Decca chain works on the basis of transmissions from shore stations which may be picked up by receivers on board ship and which accurately determine position. The Racal Decca Company rents receivers to users thus providing an income to run its stations and remunerate investment.

The Irish Chain, known as 7D, is served by a Master Station at Renvyle, County Galway, and three slave stations at Ballydavid, Ardmore and Burtonport; these have been in operation since 1972-73 and cover the north, west and south coasts. The stations are owned by Bord Iascaigh Mhara and operated by Racal Decca on their behalf. Coverage on the east coast is provided from UK based stations.

I am not aware that Racal Decca have threatened to withdraw from their services.

The Minister must be aware that the threat has been there for some time from the Racal Decca service in the UK. This is creating a very special problem for Irish fishermen, expecially in the north west fishing area. Has the Minister had any communication with the Minister for Fisheries on this issue? The fishing industry are concerned about the problem and I find it unbelievable that the Minister does not know there is a very serious threat to the north west fisheries with possible serious consequences for the fishing fleet.

We would be concerned if there were any threat to withdraw the service, but I am not aware of any such threat. The Deputy can be assured that if such an eventuality were to arise steps would be taken immediately to meet it.

The Minister must be aware that there is a continuing problem because equipment is being sold on the market here which is pirating the Decca signal. Because of this, there is a very real danger that the Decca signal may not be transmitted. Will the Minister discuss the matter with the appropriate UK Minister to see what arrangements might be made if this were to take place?

The Deputy can be assured that there are discussions from time to time between my Department and the Department of Transport in London because we have a mutual concern in this respect. This is being kept under review and if any difficulties arise we expect to be able to meet them. We are not expecting difficulties to arise.

In view of the anxiety expressed in the fishing industry generally at possible difficulties in this respect would the Minister give us an undertaking that he will take it up now with the British authorities?

I will renew our discussion with the British authorities and consider the points raised by Deputy Daly.

In view of the information the Minister has given the House, is he aware that there is booster equipment at Malin Head for a number of years? When does he intend to procure a site in south-west Donegal in order to have the ship-to-shore radio system boosted in that area? This would be of immense importance and value to the fishing fleets in the shipping lanes along the west coast.

That is a separate question. I should be delighted to answer if it is tabled.

We are now moving to questions nominated for priority. Question No. 15.

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