Vol. 493 No. 3
151 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the public concern expressed regarding the Loran C Mast, County Clare; if his Department is in support of the project; the discussions, if any, his Department has had with the French Government in relation to the mast and the outcome of the discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16058/98]
I am aware that there is public concern, particularly at local community level, concerning the proposed siting of a Loran C mast at Loop Head, County Clare. I have already announced that there will be a comprehensive public consultation process in addition to the statutory planning process to which the project has already been submitted. The proposed consultation process will allow all interested parties, including those with concerns, to put their views forward and to have them considered. I also intend to visit the proposed site of the mast and speak directly with local people about the format of the consultation procedure which I have proposed will consist of two open days:- one to be held in Clare and to deal with the local impact of the proposed mast, having regard to visual, environmental and other concerns expressed regarding the sitting of the mast at Loop Head; a second to be held in Dublin and to deal with the generalities of the Loran C proposal, having regard to particular to the future of radio navigation in North West Europe and globally and the position of the Loran C system within the plans for radio navigation structures internationally. This process is designed to clarify all the issues involved.
Ireland's involvement in the North West European Loran C radio navigation system arises out of the international agreement approved by Dáil Éireann on 8 October 1992. As well as France, our partners in the agreement are the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and Germany. Intensive discussions were held by all the parties in the lead up to the international agreement to establish a civil North West European Loran C system. These discussions ranged across technical, financial and management matters. Ongoing contacts take place between the partners to deal with the practical implementation of the agreement. Our partners have been advised of my intention to hold a consultation process on the Loran C issue.
