Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 2

Written Answers. - Oil Spillages.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

164 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the guidelines that have been issued to local authorities for dealing with oil spillages on public roadways; if any statistics are available as to the number of accidents or road fatalities resulting from oil spillages; if he will issue instructions to local authorities asking them to treat oil spillages on roadways as emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29961/00]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Various guidelines have been issued to local authorities that are relevant in this context, including guidelines in relation to emergency planning, transportation of dangerous goods and protection of water sources from pollution.

I am satisfied that local authorities and the Garda is competent to respond to incidents such as oil spillages on roadways in an appropriate manner. While the matter will be kept under review, there are no proposals to issue any further guidelines at this time.

These are no specific statistics available as regards road accidents resulting from oil spillages.