Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 2

Written Answers. - Towing Facilities.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

38 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself with the current availability of towage vessels to cope with a situation such as the recent Sea Empress incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11049/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

The threat of pollution to the marine and coastal environment posed by shipping accidents is of major concern. The recent Sea Empress incident shows the importance of preparedness measures to prevent or reduce the effects of major spills of oil or hazardous substances.

In this regard, the task of ensuring the availability of emergency towing facilities, i.e. professional salvage vessels and personnel suitable to help in case of an accident at sea or to handle drifting vessels to prevent grounding is an important precautionary measure. There has, however, been a reduction of available commercial dedicated salvage tugs in Europe over the past five years due to the infrequent demand on their service. The problem of the shortage of such vessels has been identified and is being examined by the European Union and Contracting Parties to the Bonn Agreement i.e. countries bordering the Baltic and North Sea. Ireland has observer status at Bonn Agreement meetings and is represented by an official from the Irish Marine Emergency Service so that we can learn from this particular examination. The UK, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany have already put in place dedicated state towage facilities. In Ireland we have available to us harbour authority vessels and vessels of opportunity i.e. vessels passing our coastline at time of pollution. The Minister is empowered to demand assistance from such vessels in response to a vessels in distress.

The serious issues in relation to the management of such incidents as that involving theSea Empress, in particular in relation to the emergency services response as the incident unfolded, will no doubt arise in the official review of the incident in the UK and in a separate report to be produced by the EU Commission. In view of the proximity of Milford Haven to our south-east coast we will be closely examining the findings of these reports with a view to helping to ensure that threats to our coastline are minimised. The availability and capability of towing facilities in Ireland to respond to similar incidents in our waters will be reviewed in this context.