Tony Killeen
Question:337 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has in relation to the proposed Loran C radio-navigation mast. [22514/96]
Written Answers. - Loran C Mast.
Tony Killeen
Question:338 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine the number of locations in Ireland which were considered for the Loran C radio-navigation mast; the person/organisation who assessed these locations; and where these locations are situated. [22529/96]
Tony Killeen
Question:339 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine the total costs to date in relation to the proposed Loran C mast, including equipment, storage of such equipment, site acquisition, legal fees and any other charges incurred; and the portion of this total which has been paid by his Department and/or by the Irish taxpayer. [22530/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 337, 338 and 339 together.
The overall position is that Ireland is committed, by way of a signed international agreement approved by Dáil Éireann in 1992, to the provision of a Loran C station as part of a North West European radio navigation system. The Supreme Court judgment of July last which upheld an earlier High Court decision concerning the legal powers of the Commissioners of Irish Lights has implications not just for the proposed Loran C project but also for the existing range of radio-based aids to marine navigation provided by the Commissioners. I propose, therefore, to shortly seek Government approval to introduce amending legislation to ensure that the Commissioners can continue to provide these valuable aids to marine navigation in the interests of maritime safety. In relation to the proposed Loran C station, this project may not proceed pending resolution of separate legal proceedings concerning the granting of planning permission by An Bord Pleanála. It is not possible, therefore, to make a definitive statement regarding the future of the project until there is absolute clarity on all the legal issues involved.
System coverage prediction calculations indicated that the south west of Ireland would be the most suitable location for the Loran C station. During 1990-91 an extensive site selection study was undertaken in counties Kerry and Clare by the Commissioners of Irish Lights with the assistance of Ove Arup Consulting Engineers, the University of Wales and the head of the North West European Loran C System Programme Management Office. Over 40 potential sites were inspected and the site near Loop Head was chosen as the most suitable by reference to a comprehensive range of selection criteria.
The total costs incurred to date in respect of the proposed Loran C station amount to £2,920,032, of which £1,395,577 has been paid by the Irish Exchequer. Taking into account rebates provided by the manufacturer of the equipment involved, the net cost to the Exchequer so far is £889,752.