Vol. 538 No. 5
7 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the recommendations outlined in the Crean report regarding safety at the Glen of Imaal firing range in County Wicklow have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18178/01]
The recommendations of the Crean report have been implemented. The Crean committee was established in 1979 in the aftermath of a tragic accident in the Glen of Imaal in which three children were killed and several others were injured. The committee examined safety measures at the glen and made recommendations on further safety precautions which were deemed necessary to minimise danger to the public arising from the use of the lands as an artillery range. The committee completed its deliberations in mid-1979.
The main recommendations of the report included the erection of more appropriate warning signs, the fencing off of dangerous locations, the establishment of a safety unit and the ongoing monitoring of safety procedures in the glen. With regard to the latter, the military authorities have established a board to review the usage of the Glen of Imaal, including safety and security, to ensure procedures remain up to the standard required.
I do not know if the Minister outlined all the recommendations. I understand there was a recommendation that the notices should be more user friendly and easily understood. One of the difficulties at present is that people from outside Wicklow who visit the glen see the large red warning signs and red flags posted at various entrances to the range area but the range might be located several miles away, particularly in the Glenmalure area. The notices warn that one is now entering a military area and one should keep out when the flag is flying. I was there a few weeks ago and noticed that cars turned back on seeing the signs. They are confused by them. Will the Minister consider posting more user friendly signs at certain strategic locations? The signs could include maps of the area and an explanatory notice rather than the formal notice currently used. I appreciate the signs must remain but they could be more user friendly.
I will take a look at it. There is no simple or nice way to tell the public to keep away from danger. It must be graphic, given the serious accident which took place in 1979 and the fact that there is unexploded ordnance in the area. Leaflets have been published and distributed to all the homes, schools and the warden offices but I will examine the matter again. It is an important range for the Defence Forces but it is also important that parts of it remain an amenity for the public. I am not sure what more can be done but we will see if there is a better way to deal with the matter.
I have in mind a type of information bulletin board, such as the one located in Clonmel which outlines where one can go. There could be a sign informing people they can proceed along a certain road to Rathangan, Tinahely or wherever.
Okay.
