Maritime Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2023

Wednesday, 15 February 2023

Questions (62)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

62. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 198 of 13 December 2022 and 160 of 18 January 2023m to detail if any State body is responsible to compel ship owners to progress survey application to the MSO, in particular in situations whereby the ship is causing environmental and general safety concerns as the Hebble Ship continues to cause as it lies on the Boyne River in the centre of Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7569/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The Marine Survey Office (MSO) of the Department of Transport is the regulator in relation to the safety of shipping and the prevention of pollution of the marine environment from ship-based sources. To ensure safe travel at sea, the safety of the vessel must be verified by means of an MSO survey. Before a vessel proceeds to sea it is required to undergo a Load Line survey and certification is required prior to release. It is the responsibility of the vessel owners, or agents acting on their behalf, to ensure their vessels undergo these surveys.

Regarding this particular vessel, whilst it is lying inoperative in the port of Drogheda, it falls to the owner and to Drogheda Port Company, in whose area the vessel is located, to address any issues that arise. Drogheda Port Company is under the aegis of Louth County Council.