I am aware of the incident which occurred near Rosslare Harbour on 30 January 2003 in which a ro-ro passenger ferry, lost engine power 30 minutes after leaving port for Fishguard in Wales and drifted towards Tuskar Rock lighthouse. The emergency services were immediately alerted in this case and preparations put in hand to render assistance to the vessel. However, after some one and a half hours the vessel regained full engine power and was able to continue its journey without further incident.
The feasibility of deploying emergency towing vessels, ETVs, in Irish waters is under consideration in the Department. In 1998 the then Department of the Marine and Natural Resources commissioned a study to investigate the feasibility of deploying ETVs around the coast. Following an assessment of the study, which was published in 1999, it was decided that Ireland should have access to ETV capacity to protect the coast from the consequences of major oil pollution and vessel stranding; the Department would consult with the Departments of Finance, Defence and Environment, Heritage and Local Government on cost effectiveness, location, financing, operational aspects, possible other uses, etc; and Ireland and the UK would consult on the possible sharing of an ETV to cover the east coast.
The Department set up an internal working group to manage the consultation process referred to above and to progress the matter generally. The likely very significant costs associated with the provision of ETV capability and complex operational requirements were recognised. The working group concluded that an ETV capacity should be provided to service the west coast via a public private partnership process, PPP, and an ETV for the east coast should be provided to ensure an acceptable level of cover at minimum cost, including, if possible, on a joint PPP approach with the UK for the Irish Sea.
The Department is examining how the working group's conclusions can be pursued having regard to the very high costs associated with the provision and operation of such a vessel.
