Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2015
578. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that poorly placed lobster pots in Dublin Bay are making sailing dangerous, and could lead to a loss of life; the action he will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41397/15]
View answerMy Department is not the licensing authority for commercial fishing (including for lobster) - that responsibility lies with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. However, in relation to maritime safety aspects, mariners are obliged at all times (under the Collision Regulations - S.I. 507 of 2012) to maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the navigational situation and of the risk of collision.
If an object is spotted in the water which is deemed to represent a danger to navigation, that information should be communicated to other vessels in the area and to the Irish Coast Guard or to the local competent authority (such as the responsible port authority - Dublin Port Company in the case of Dublin Bay) so that a hazard warning can be issued if appropriate and any required follow-up action can be taken.
