asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will make a statement on the Government's intentions regarding Gulf Oil's storage tanks facility at Whiddy Island; and whether the whole installation is to be restored and made operable.
4.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Whiddy Island Oil Terminal.
3.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the present position in relation to the oil terminal at Whiddy Island, County Cork; and the current proposals for the future of the terminal.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 3 and 4 together.
The Whiddy Island oil terminal in Bantry Bay, owned by Gulf Oil, has, to all intents and purposes, been non-operational since the Betelgeuse disaster in January 1979. The owners of the terminal are anxious to resolve this situation and have been giving consideration to the future role of the terminal including the possibilities for a resumption of commercial operations.
I am just as anxious as Gulf to resolve this problem and I have recently had discussions with them in this matter in the context of assisting in their exploration of a number of options. The matter is, however, a complex one and I am sure that the Deputies will appreciate that I will not be in a position to make a further statement in the matter until further necessary examination and consideration of a number of aspects has been completed.
Is the Minister aware that shortly after taking up office he, or an officer in his Department, stated that a contract for the renting of oil facilities at Whiddy were at an advanced stage and would be finalised within a short time? Do I take it from the Minister's reply today that the question of the Government renting space at the Whiddy terminal has been put on the long finger?
I am sure the Deputy is aware of the stage when negotiations broke off; it was during his term of office in the Department. Immediately after I took office I met the people concerned because I was interested to see that development get under way again in some shape or form. We are examining many options in relation to it and I am not in a position to say anything further in relation to that matter.
In view of the tragedy that occurred at Whiddy will the Minister consult with the appropriate planning authority and employ the necessary consultants to ensure that, if the State rents space there, it will meet with the highest safety standards available?
The Deputy can have that assurance from me in relation to any future development there.