P. J. Sheehan
Question:36 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to remove the wreck of the Bardini Reefer from the entrance of Berehaven Harbour, Castletownbere, County Cork. [15971/99]
Written Answers. - Ship Wrecks.
The position of the Bardini Reefer which sank in the approaches to Castletownbere in 1982 has been marked and buoyed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. It is marked on navigational charts. The advice available to my Department is that the wreck does not constitute a serious danger to navigation.
Primary responsibility for wreck removal rests with the owner of the vessel. I am advised that the company which owned the Bardini Reefer has been liquidated. In these circumstances the significant costs of removing the wreck would have to be met by the Exchequer and there are no plans at present to have the wreck removed.