asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of the extent to which the south east coast shipping lanes are used and of the recent tragic accident in Tramore Bay, he will establish a marine radio station to provide adequate radio communication for ships between the Saltee Islands and Helvick Head; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marine Radio Station.
38.
Shipping in the area referred to by the Deputy is within easy range of one or other of the British west coast marine radio stations which, like their Irish counterparts at Valentia and Malin Head, maintain a constant listening watch on the recognised international distress frequency. These functions are discharged by the stations in question on an international basis and in discharge of obligations under international conventions which transcend national boundaries. In the circumstances there would be no point in duplicating at considerable expense the already adequate facilities provided by British west coast stations.
These stations operate on MF (medium) frequency and vessels in excess of certain dimensions are required under the Merchant Shipping Acts to carry MF radio equipment for safety reasons.
In the case of the accident referred to by the Deputy I understand that the MF radio fitted in this vessel was in a corroded and unusable condition. The vessel was also equipped with a VHF radio which was in working condition, but this equipment is suitable for short-range operations only and does not permit of communication with the coast radio stations.
The adequacy and efficiency of the coastal radio services are kept under constant review in the light of developing standards at home and abroad and in particular the question of VHF facilities is under examination.
Is the Minister aware of the concern expressed by the local fishing industry about the inadequacy of the present system, about delay between the time the signal goes out and is monitored and the time the message gets back to the Irish authorities? Would he inaugurate a Departmental inquiry not only into the needs of the fishing industry but also of the merchant navy in this respect?
Vessels of a certain size, of more than 60 feet, must carry the medium frequency and vessels of that size are within easy range of the west coast. To the best of my knowledge there have not been any delays. There is a 24-hour watch kept for the signals.
This is not my information. Concern has been expressed at the arrangements and I should be obliged if the Minister would hold an inquiry.
I am doing that anyway to ensure that there will be adequate protection.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.