Vol. 530 No. 2
16 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposed role for the new marine research vessel; when it will be delivered; the projected cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3343/01]
Ireland has one of Europe's largest offshore areas and to date most marine related research in Irish waters has been conducted on foreign research vessels. The new marine research vessel, the rv Celtic Explorer will enable us, for the first time, to explore our entire offshore waters.
This new purpose-built, marine research vessel will contribute significantly to the planned national atlantic seabed survey. The survey will be the largest and most comprehensive ever undertaken in Irish waters and will be carried out over a seven year period. Ireland is the only EU country without a territory wide seabed mapping programme, and yet it is one of those with most to gain. It is essential that the Irish offshore area is fully charted to understand and deliver on the full developmental potential of our marine area. The survey will provide an integrated databank for use by fishermen, engineers, biologists, oceanographers, exploration interests and geologists. The rv Celtic Explorer will also engage in fisheries management studies, mineral exploration, pollution monitoring, environmental and oceanographic surveys, underwater exploration, acoustic fish surveys and testing of marine instruments. The 65 metre vessel will be built in Holland and it is expected that it will be delivered to the Marine Institute in September 2002.
The cost of the vessel, including actual construction, will be £24.9 million and is funded under the productive sector operational programme of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.
