asked the Minister for Transport the precautions being taken against oil pollution at Drogheda port, County Louth, in view of the importation of oil through the port.
Written Answers. - Oil Pollution Precautions.
239.
The discharging and loading of petroleum at the port of Drogheda is at all times supervised by a competent person, detailed for this purpose by the harbour commissioners. These operations may not be carried out at night, unless the permission of the harbour master has been received. Houses for the transfer of petroleum are examined and pressure-tested under the supervision of the harbour master and all pumping ceases while other ships are moving in the vicinity.
Draft by-laws relating to the discharging, loading, handling, storage and distribution of petroleum within the limits of the port of Drogheda are currently being examined in my Department. These by-laws are intended to prevent the risk of accident, including oil spillage, by ships and storage tanks at the port. I hope to be in a position to approve these by-laws as soon as the necessary consultation procedure has been completed.