Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
112 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to invest in an ocean-going tug, salvage, search and rescue type vessel to aid stricken vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31230/04]
View answerThe 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 the Departments of Finance, Defence and the 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 these proposals can be pursued, having regard in particular to the very significant costs involved.
