Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:41 Mrs. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when the new single point mooring at Whiddy Island will be commissioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14945/97]
Written Answers. - Whiddy Oil Terminal.
Work on the installation of the single point mooring along with ancillary works at the Whiddy Oil Terminal was completed in April last year. In order to operate the new facility a substantial number of licences and permits are required. The Irish National Petroleum Corporation and Bantry Terminals Ltd have been engaged in the process of obtaining these over the past two years.
I am informed by the INPC that final discussions are taking place with Cork County Council and Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners to resolve a small number of outstanding issues, and I am hopeful that agreement will be reached shortly.
When the process is completed, the National Oil Reserves Agency intends to import two cargoes of crude oil to supplement existing strategic oil stocks.