asked the Minister for the Environment the regulations that are in existence governing the transport of hazardous chemicals on this country's roads; and if he is satisfied that county councils have the proper facilities and staff to deal with an emergency for the protection of life.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Chemicals.
3.
The provision for regulation of transport of dangerous substances is contained in the Dangerous Substances Act, 1972, which is the concern of the Minister for Labour. It it a matter for the individual local authorities to arrange to deal with any emergency that might arise involving them. My Department have encouraged the making of suitable arrangements and have advised local authorities in relation to the transport of certain dangerous substances by CIE. I might mention also that my Department are at present arranging for a seminar on the role of local authorities in incidents that might arise from transport of hazardous substances. The seminar is intended for the senior technical officers of local authorities and is expected to take place next month.
My Department will continue to give what help they can to local authorities in gearing themselves adequately to play their part with the other services, in dealing with any emergency incidents.
I welcome the information outlined in the Minister's reply. Will the results of the seminar be made available to local councillors or will they be confined exclusively to senior technical officials?
It is intended that senior technical officers of local authorities will attend that seminar next month.
But not local councillors? Will the proceedings of the seminar be made available to local councillors?
I see no reason why they will not.
Would the Minister say exactly what form the encouragement to which he referred in his reply has taken with regard to local authorities in this matter? Further, is he aware of and concerned——
These are separate questions.
Is he aware of and concerned about the capacity of local authorities around the country referred to specifically in the question to cope with the kind of emergency which could arise as a result of a spill of a particularly toxic nature?
One action that is being taken currently is a comprehensive examination of the strength and adequacy of fire services in each local authority area. The fire services would have a role to play in the eventuality about which the Deputy speaks.