Vol. 544 No. 4
97 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress made regarding drawing up a policy on radio navigational aids, following the withdrawal of Germany and Norway from the Loran C system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28933/01]
As I previously informed the House, most recently on 11 October, the announcement last May by Norway and Germany at the 19th International Steering Committee, of their intention to withdraw from the Loran C system at the expiry of the current agreement in 2004 has placed uncertainty around the future of the Loran C system. My Department, in conjunction with the Commissioners of Irish Lights, is continuing the process of drawing up a consultation document which will set out an assessment of the state of radio-based aids to navigation around Ireland and the options for the future. The intention is that this document will form the basis for a consultation process with all stakeholders. Ireland's review of its radio navigation policy must also have regard to any developments at EU level with regard to an overall radio navigation policy for Europe.
