Vol. 464 No. 4
50 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine what plans, if any, he has to ensure that ships intending to enter Waterford Harbour do not end up in Tramore Bay, County Waterford and suffer the risk of being wrecked with the possible loss of life. [8247/96]
I have consulted the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL), who have statutory responsibility for the provision of aids to navigation around the coast of Ireland, regarding this matter.
I understand that there has over the years been a number of reported incidents of vessels experiencing similar difficulties in distinguishing the entrance to Waterford Estuary from Tramore Bay. An investigation of the problem by CIL identified the similarity of the radar response from Hook Head and Browstown Head as a significant factor. To address this CIL installed a Racon on Hook Head on November 1974. The current Hook Racon has a range of 10 nautical miles and would appear on a radar screen as a plume, indicating the morse letter K at the lighthouse. This has the effect of making Hook very distinctive to radar observers. This aid would have particular importance by day and in poor visibility when the light may not be visible.
Hook Head light had a nominal range of 23 nautical miles and this is considered more than adequate for vessels approaching Waterford Estuary. A fog signal is also provided at Hook Head. In addition, the red sector Dunmore East Lighthouse had a nominal range of 13 nautical miles, which will provide confirmation of a vessel's position.
In light of recent occurrences the matter had been further reviewed by CIL, who have concluded that the extensive range of aids to navigation provided are sufficient for marking the entrance to Waterford Estuary for all types of craft. I have asked my Department, however, to consider means by which vessels intending to enter Waterford Estuary will be alerted to the importance of availing of the aids to navigation in place.
