Vol. 514 No. 2
27 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to reduce the number of vessels passing through the Irish Sea carrying nuclear waste in view of the potential dangers of these vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3639/00]
The position in relation to this matter is, as was outlined by my predecessor, Deputy Woods, to the House on several occasions, most recently on 25 November 1999. The sensitivities of the Irish Government and public to the use of the Irish Sea generally for the transport of the materials mentioned by the Deputy to and from Sellafield have been made known on many occasions to the UK authorities.
My main concerns regarding any transport of this nature are to ensure that the vessels do not pass through waters under our jurisdiction. I have assurances from the UK authorities that they will not. The UK authorities have also stressed that voyages by such vessels through waters solely under UK jurisdiction are kept to a minimum and are already limited to one or two per year; and to ensure that the highest possible levels of safety are applied both in terms of the vessels employed and the operational requirements applied to them.
As Minister I have to accept that the vessels transporting these materials may be involved in an accident arising from hazards of navigation or from occurrences such as workplace accidents which will require assistance from Ireland's emergency services.
