asked the Minister for the Marine following the recent visit of the Taoiseach to West Cork and his statements on 26 March 1987 the proposals if any, he has to co-ordinate the activities of the Ministers for the Environment and the Marine in relation to the issue of the Kowloon Bridge.
Written Answers. - Kowloon Bridge Casualty.
195.
Since the Taoiseach's visit to West Cork, I have arranged for regular meetings of senior officials of my Department and of the Department of the Environment for the purpose of co-ordinating and expediting action in regard to the Kowloon Bridge incident. Three such meetings have already taken place as well as a meeting between officials of my Department and of Cork County Council. An expert adviser has been appointed and a detailed underwater survey of the wreck is in progress to assess the situation regarding any oil remaining on the wreck. Arrangements for the removal of such oil and also of any paint found on board will proceed as quickly as possible in the light of the expert adviser's report on the survey.
I can assure the Deputy that everything possible will be done to bring this matter to a quick and satisfactory conclusion.
196.
asked the Minister for the Marine the legal steps which have been taken under his direction to ensure that the original owners of the Kowloon Bridge do not evade or avoid their financial obligations with regard to the cost of the clean up of the West Cork shoreline; the amount of moneys, if any, which have been received to date from the ship's owners or insurers to pay in part for the cost of the clean up; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
On 25 November 1986 the then Minister for Communications gave formal notice to the owner and insurers of the Kowloon Bridge of his intention to claim compensation from them in respect of the costs incurred by the Irish authorities in connection with the Kowloon Bridge casualty. The insurers on behalf of the owners have undertaken to meet their liability for reasonable expenses of cleaning up the oil. No moneys have been received to date from the ship's owners or insurers towards clean-up operations. In view of the ongoing nature of the clean-up no claim for compensation has been made to date.