As stated in previous replies, most recently on 11 October 2001, I have no direct role in relation to the removal of the derelict tug at Clogher Head Pier, County Louth.
I previously outlined the provisions in the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act, 1993, which govern the removal or rendering harmless of wrecked vessels. Under that Act, the appropriate authority is empowered to require the owner to remove or render harmless a wreck in circumstances where the wreck is a danger to navigation or constitutes a threat to the marine environment or related interests. The appropriate authority also has powers to remove or render harmless the offending wreck and to recover the expenses from the registered owner. The appropriate authority in this case is Louth County Council. Its efforts to have the tug removed by the registered owners, Marine Blast Limited, are continuing and all possible steps are being taken to resolve the problem. I have outlined the position to Clogher Head Fishermen's Association but I have not received any representations from Clogher Head Lifeboat Association.
