Written Answers. - Prevention of Accidental Environmental Pollution.
John O'Leary
Question:
33
Mr. O'Leary
asked the
Minister for the Marine
if he will introduce legislation to ensure that oil tankers not making deliveries to this country may not come within 20 miles of the country in the interest of environmental protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard Allen
Question:
65
Mr. Allen
asked the
Minister for the Marine
if he proposes to introduce legislation to exclude ageing tankers from our territorial waters; and, if so, if he intends doing this through the EC.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 65 together.
I fully share the concern of Deputies that our coastline and marine environment be protected from accidental pollution from laden tankers and other ships carrying hazardous cargoes. The recent incidents involving oil tankers in Community waters have focused attention on the high risks to which our islands and coastlines can be exposed. The low safety record of ageing tankers and other vessels highlights the need for improved compliance with and enforcement of construction, operation and maintenance standards.
It is the case, of course, that the country, and European Community as a whole, is to a large extent dependent on reliable cost effective and safe shipping services. We must, however, ensure that such services are operated at a minimum level of risk for all concerned and for the marine environment.
Ireland has called for co-ordinated action at Community and international level (through the International Maritime Organisation) to put in place specific measures. These include enhanced ship traffic reporting and monitoring systems and the identification of ecologically sensitive coastal areas where traffic restrictions, including areas to be avoided, should apply.
At the Council meeting on 15 March I welcomed the thrust of the Commission's "Common Policy on Safe Seas" proposals and underlined our commitment to work with other member states to give effect to the proposed action plan without delay.
As I have indicated, a particularly strong emphasis is being put on the identification of zones of ecological importance with a view to adoption, through the IMO, of necessary traffic restrictions including routeing measures and areas to be avoided. The Commission has convened an expert working group later this month to identify such areas and to prepare proposals for routeing measures and zoning for submission to the International Maritime Organisation. The Department is currently finalising specific proposals in consultation with the Department of the Environment and the Wildlife Service on areas to be avoided around the Irish coast. These will be transmitted to the Commission for consideration by the working group and will also be submitted to the International Maritime Organisation.
In addition to the measures now being developed at Community and international level, I am reviewing the scope for additional natural measures including the introduction of enhanced advisory and reporting arrangements for tankers and other vessels transiting our coastline.
