Joe Sherlock
Ceist:21 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Marine the total cost to his Department arising from the rescue operation of the Tribulus; the repair work undertaken on it in Bantry Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Tribulus Rescue Operation.
The total cost to my Department arising from the rescue operation of the Tribulus is currently being assessed. I intend to seek reimbursement from Shell Tankers (UK) Limited, the owners of the vessel, of the full cost to my Department of the incident.
A diving survey of the damaged vessel revealed a hole measuring 21 metres long by 10 metres deep. Steel girders were fabricated, lowered into the water and fixed vertically at the hole. Steel plates were fabricated and put in place to patch up the hole. All water was pumped from the hold of the vessel. Additional strengthening was carried out inside the hold. An inspection was carried out on Saturday, 5 May by a surveyor of my Department to ensure that vessel's safety and integrity. The vessel departed Bantry Bay the next day and has now berthed in Rotterdam where it will be put into dry dock.
I am satisfied with the outcome of this incident. The pollution operations group under my Department were successful in minimising the pollution threat and Shell Tankers (UK) Limited co-operated fully with my Department in discharging their responsibilities.
In the assessment of the cost of the incident is provision being made for damage to gear, fishstocks and the marine environment generally? May I further ask why it is taking so long to send the bill for damages to Shell Tankers (UK) Limited?
I must put on record the Shell Tankers (UK) Limited were more than co-operative. They were very careful about the pollution aspect and about assuming responsibility in writing for any damage that might be done in the area. I can tell the Deputy also that the company made arrangements to compensate local fishermen for any damage — there was not very much damage — through the very democratic and intelligent approach of having a local committee work in concert with the company.
The time factor is not as great as the Deputy suggests. I gave the date when the ship left Bantry Bay and berthed in Rotterdam. We intend to pursue the matter of compensation as a matter of urgency.
With your permission, Sir, I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of a bomb that was placed on the bridge in Lifford, County Donegal and which is blocking traffic between Donegal and Northern Ireland and on the main thoroughfare to Dublin. In addition it has resulted in the local hospitals being evacuated.
I will communicate with the Deputy.