asked the Minister for Transport if by-laws to govern pollution in the area of Drogheda Port, County Louth by oil have been introduced.
Written Answers. - County Louth Oil Pollution.
422.
Draft by-laws relative to the discharging, loading, handling, storage and distribution of petroleum have been submitted for my approval by Drogheda Harbour Commissioners. The usual statutory requirements regarding publication of the proposed by-laws have been complied with and no objections have been received. Consultations with other Government Departments have already been completed by my Department and I expect to be in a position to approve the proposed by-laws in the near future.
I should point out that regulations made by the Minister for Labour under the Dangerous Substances Act in September 1979 which impose stringent requirements in regard to the loading, unloading and storage of petroleum, apply and are being enforced at Drogheda harbour.
The Oil Pollution of the Sea Acts, 1956-77, prohibit the discharge of oil into the territorial seas of the State or into its inland waters navigable by sea-going vessels. The areas covered by these Acts include Drogheda harbour.