Vol. 422 No. 1
2 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Marine if he will initiate an inquiry into the near sinking of the lighthouse tender Granuaile off the Antrim coast on 26 June 1992; if a replacement tender will be necessary during the repair of the Granuaile; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
On Friday, 26 June, at 4.49 p.m. the Commissioners of Irish Lights tender Granuaile grazed a rock off the Maidens Lighthouse, County Antrim. There were no injuries to any of the 41 people on board. The Granuaile, which was holed and taking water in the engine room, was taken under tow and beached in Brown's Bay, Islandmagee, approximately one mile from Larne Harbour.
On 29 June 1992 the Minister appointed a surveyor of the Marine Survey Office of his Department to carry out a statutory inquiry under section 728 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. He has already begun work on the casualty and will report his findings to the Minister in due course. In line with the Minister's announcement to this House on 26 February last he will, subject to legal considerations, publish a report of this marine accident investigation.
The repair and-or temporary replacement of the damaged vessel would be matters for the Commissioners of Irish Lights who are the General Lighthouse Authority for the whole of Ireland. However, the Minister is assured by the commissioners that their service to shipping will not be compromised while the vessel is being repaired and that a replacement vessel, if required, would be available.
I know everyone in the House will wish to join with me in congratulating the staff, also the safety crew, who reacted so quickly, and the emergency services. The important point is that the crew suffered no injuries.
I welcome the fact that the Department of the Marine will be holding an inquiry and reporting on the matter. I would ask the Minister whether there is concern about the fact that the accident happened in good weather and calm seas. Will the House be made aware of any particular circumstances that led to the accident? All of us share a common concern that life is put at risk when such an accident occurs. Is there any technical inadequacy that could lead to such an accident?
I thank the Deputy for the kind comments and I shall pass them to the people involved. On 29 June the Minister appointed a surveyor under the Shipping Act, 1894. The surveyor has begun work on the casualty and will be reporting to the Minister. Taking into account the legal considerations, as is normal, a report will be made available to the House.
