Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Apr 1995

Vol. 451 No. 6

Written Answers. - Death of French Student.

Michael Ring

Question:

118 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine if the report into the death by electrocution of a French student when the mast of the catamaran in which she was sailing came in contact with an overhead ESB line in Clew Bay in 1994 has been completed; the recommendations contained in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7058/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Coveney)

As indicated to this House in October last, the investigation by the Marine Survey Office into the accident recommended the immediate erection of warning signs at the location. This has been acted upon by the ESB.

The report also recommended an urgent review of safety standards and hazard warning procedures of overhead powerlines in the vicinity of all waterways and to offshore islands. A comprehensive review of all the relevant issues was undertaken by a joint working group of the Department of the Marine, the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications and the ESB. This recommended a minimum of 10.6 metres clearance for all new power crossings over designated waters, a further upgrading of hazard warning signs and visibility of power crossings, and the examination in detail of the more than two hundred crossings to assess the need for any other measures.

In addition a major publicity drive has been aimed by the ESB at leisure boaters through the media and direct contact with clubs and sport governing bodies to improve the safety of boating with regard to overhead lines and underwater cables. The Department is continuing to work closely with the ESB to minimise the hazard and maximise the safety of boating in the vicinity of power lines.