asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if any Irish representative was present when 280 tons of radioactive waste from British nuclear plants was dumped 300 miles off the south-west coast of Ireland as reported by the media (details supplied), if any Irish authority was consulted on the matter and if he will make a statement on the suggestion that tidal drift may carry the contents towards the Irish coast.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radioactive Waste.
8.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply to a previous Dáil Question by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on 17 July 1979, column 2624 Dáil Debates, setting out some detail the provisions of international conventions and procedures governing the dumping of radioactive waste in international waters.
In accordance with these procedures the NEA advised this country in advance of the UK operation in July indicating that, after examination, they considered the operation to be in conformity with the provisions of the mechanism. The Nuclear Energy Board confirmed to my Department that the proposals were within the guidelines and procedures recommended within the framework of the mechanism.
The Nuclear Energy Board have advised me that the dumping site involved, which was assessed under agreed procedures as to suitability, is about 370 miles south-west of Mizen Head, County Cork and is, in fact, approximately equidistant from Ireland, Spain, France and Britain. It has an average depth of some 2.8 miles and the risk of a hazard arising from dumping at the site is negligible. The water in the site area is so structured and the waste packages so designed that the likelihood of tidal drift aided by Atlantic prevailing winds carrying the materials disposed of on the seabed at a depth of 2.8 miles is remote.
Have steps been taken to test the water around the south-west coast?
Regular steps in that regard are taken.
When was the last test undertaken in that area?
The question relates to specific dumping some 300 miles off the coast but if the Deputy so wishes, he may table a question on the lines of his supplementary when I shall ascertain the information for him.
Obviously there has not been any test.