Written Answers. - Atlantic Coastline Pollution.
Peter Barry
Question:
36
Mr. Barry
asked the
Minister for the Marine
the plans, if any, he has to talk to his EC counterparts on the question of pollution of the Atlantic coastline and to draw up disaster contingency plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I can advise the Deputy that I fully ventilated our concerns and objectives for priority action to improve maritime safety and prevent marine pollution at the Council of Ministers in Luxembourg on 8 June last.
I am pleased to report that the Council unanimously endorsed a resolution outlining priority measures for a Community action programme which, when implemented should significantly contribute to the prevention of marine pollution around the Community coastlines. I am particularly gratified that measures which I identified as requiring immediate action at the Transport Council last March have been earmarked for priority action. These include the introduction of ship traffic control systems at Community and national level, additional port state control measures including strengthened inspections and comprehensive reporting systems to cover vessels transiting along Community coasts.
Most notably, however, the Community action programme highlights as a priority the urgent identification of environmentally sensitive areas and the adoption of measures for their protection. In this context I have informed EC colleagues that Ireland is pressing ahead with specific proposals to protect our coastline from potentially hazardous marine accidents. Such avoidance measures are, for me, the immediate national priority. I will shortly be bringing to the Commission and to the International Maritime Organisation detailed proposals which will require transiting tankers and other ships carrying dangerous cargoes to avoid vulnerable areas of the Irish coastline at distances ranging from at least 20 miles. We have developed our proposals within the spirit of existing international guidelines and with full regard for the need to ensure that such measures are introduced and co-ordinated on a Community-wide basis. I will, therefore, be urging the Commission to advance its work in this area at all possible speed. In the meantime, I am confident of a favourable and constructive response from the Commission and the IMO to our own proposals to protect the Irish coastline.
In addition to the preventive measures which I have outlined, I am also keeping under review our state of readiness for effective intervention in the event of a marine casualty. The Irish Marine Emergency Service has responsibility for the co-ordination, at national level, of the Marine Counter Pollution Response and Safety of Life at Sea. In addition to its own direct capabilities, IMES can also call upon a wide range of State and private services to supplement its own resources in the event of a marine emergency. The development of resources is as critical as the level of resources available. Exercises to test national response procedures for marine emergencies, including a communications exercise and a simulated in-port exercise, have been undertaken and further exercises are planned. IMES has also been closely involved in recent major simulated marine pollution exercises undertaken by oil companies in Dublin Bay and off Tusker, and which involved all relevant agencies and authorities. In addition, there are marine pollution response procedures in place at EC level under which the Community Task Force may be called on to assist with expertise and equipment in combating pollution threats in Irish waters.
The Irish Marine Emergency Service as constituted provides a significant response capability in the event of a marine emergency both with regard to saving life and protecting the environment. That capability is, as I have said, under constant review. I would stress again, however, the importance which I attach to preventive measures and early warning systems to ensure that the risks of a major marine casualty around our coasts are minimised.
