Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - Beaching of Phosphorous Devices.

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

628 Mr. Gallagher (Donegal South-West) asked the Minister for the Marine his views on the fact that dangerous incendiaries made from white phosphorus benzene and cellulose were washed up on the Donegal foreshore during the month of December 1995; the protective action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1428/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I am very concerned about the beaching of phosphorous devices on the Donegal coastline during November/December, 1995. This followed the laying of a gas pipeline in the immediate vicinity of Beaufort's Dyke dump site. These devices present a serious potential hazard and their arrival on Donegal and other coasts would suggest that the dumpsite is unstable.

The procedures which are in place in my Department for dealing with such discoveries were fully and effectively operated with regard to the recent Donegal incidents. These procedures include the issue of alert notices through coastal radio stations, informing the local authority and the Garda in the interests of public safety and the Defence Forces who made the devices safe.

The discoveries of the devices emphasise the need to carry out comprehensive, physical, biological and chemical investigations of Beaufort's Dyke dump site and to put in place a system of monitoring and management of all munitions dump sites in waters around Ireland. I can assure you that in recent times my colleague at the Department of the Marine, Deputy Gilmore, and I have been using every possible means through bilateral contact with the UK authorities, who carried out the dumping in the first instance, and international fora, such as the OSPAR Commission, in order to get progress on our objectives as soon as possible.

The Donegal discoveries together with the recent publication of the results of the marine survey carried out by the Scottish Office's research vessel around Beaufort's Dyke add further urgency to our case. Accordingly, we have written to Earl Howe, UK Under-Secretary of State for Defence and Lord Lindsay of the Scottish Office seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the issue generally and to develop mechanisms for the review, monitoring and management of all dump sites.