Tony Killeen
Question:182 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine whether materials have been purchased for the proposed Loran C mast; if so, the cost involved; and whether there is a storage charge in this regard. [14865/96]
Written Answers. - Loran C System.
Tony Killeen
Question:183 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine the cost benefit analysis, if any, that has been undertaken regarding the Loran C radio navigation system relative to satellite or other systems. [14911/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
Under the terms of the International Agreement which Ireland entered into in respect of the North-West European Loran C System, France and the Netherlands are to contribute 50 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively, towards the capital cost of the Irish station.
As part of this cost sharing arrangement, France and the Netherlands are to meet the cost of the mast and electronic equipment. I understand that the French and Dutch Governments have already paid £1,524,455 in respect of their contribution towards the cost of the Irish system.
As a result of a lengthy planning and legal process, Ireland has had to pay £23,428 for mast storage costs to date.
Before the International Agreement was signed, the full implications of establishing a Loran C System were carefully considered by the Government and the matter was extensively debated by the Dáil when it approved the project on 8 October 1992.
The development of ground-based Loran C Systems has been identified as a prudent investment to ensure accurate comprehensive coverage and also as being an essential ground-based backup for satellite-based systems.