asked the Minister for Communications the plans, if any, he has for the removal of the wrecked ship, The Bardini Reefer, from the centre of Beara Bay, County Cork, where it is a serious hazard to shipping; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Removal of Wreck.
89.
The wreck of The Bardini Reefer would appear to have been abandoned by its owners and their insurers who have made no attempt to salvage it. In the circumstances there are no statutory powers under which I, as Minister for Communications, can remove the wreck nor are there any funds at my disposal to meet the expenditure involved in such removal. The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, however, empowers a harbour or conservancy authority to remove a wreck from within its area of jurisdiction if the wreck is considered an obstruction or danger to navigation. The Commissioners of Irish Lights are similarly empowered in respect of wreck in Irish waters where there is no harbour authority with appropriate jurisdiction. There is a dispute at present as to whether the responsibility for the removal of the wreck of The Bardini Reefer rests with the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, as the harbour authority for Castletownbere Harbour, or with the Commissioners of Irish Lights. I have been asked to determine the question under section 533 of the 1984 Act. I am considering the matter at present in conjunction with the Attorney General's office and the parties concerned. In order to minimise any danger to shipping pending the removal of The Bardini Reefer the Commissioners of Irish Lights have marked the wreck with a buoy.