Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 4

Written Answers. - Dinish Island (Cork) Lift Facilities.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

86 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that lift facilities on the synchrolift at Dinish Island, Castletownbere, County Cork is now denied to fishing vessels in excess of 200 tonnes gross weight; and if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that five fishing vessels owned and located in Castletownbere port exceed that limit; and if he will take immediate steps to apply lift facilities on this synchrolift to facilitate these five fishing vessels.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

The House was advised on 20 June last, in reply to a question from Deputy J. O'Keeffe, that a major electrical and mechanical overhaul of the synchrolift in Castletownbere had been commissioned. During the course of this overhaul serious defects were discovered and these have now been rectified.

On completion of the overhaul work the installation was tested in compliance with statutory regulations relating mainly to safety. Arising from these tests vessels not exceeding 200 tonnes lightship weight are approved for use on the synchrolift. Vessels exceeding 200 tonnes require the prior approval of the synchrolift manufacturers before they may use the synchrolift. Vessel owners in the latter category have been advised of the situation now obtaining and that they should send details of vessel weights and docking plans for approval.

Any attempt to exceed these limits at present could result in serious injury to persons and damage to both vessels and the lift. In addition there would be serious penalties for non-compliance with the health and safety regulations.