Vol. 518 No. 6
67 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when it is intended to make a final decision on the proposed Loran C navigation mast at Loop Head, County Clare; the progress made with regard to the promised consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter [12931/00].
As I indicated in my reply to an identical question on 22 March there is a range of issues involved in this very complex and sensitive matter. On the one hand, there is a binding international commitment on the State, issues to do with safety of marine investigation in our general area and the issue of whether we should or could depend on GPS, a radio navigation system operated and maintained by the United States and, on the other, there are the understandable concerns of local communities in the area of the planned site about the impact of the proposed station on them. I indicated on that occasion that it would take me some time to brief myself adequately on the totality of these issues and that I could not indicate a timeframe within which decisions might be made.
I have largely completed my review of the issues and will bring proposals to Government in the near future on a framework within which full consideration of all alternative options and discussions with our international partners may be carried forward in a productive fashion.
This question has been raised on three occasions and the reply each time was that this was a difficult and sensitive matter which would take some time to conclude. What progress has been made since I last raised it and will the Minister indicate a time schedule within which it will be concluded? Will it be concluded by the end of the year or next year?
To be honest, little progress has been made because of the stringent local opposition to the location of the Loran C mast in County Clare. Clearly, we are not in a position to proceed because of this. I am concerned that we are unable to pursue our international obligations. To this end we may be able to find a community which is willing to accept the project given that the people of County Clare are not prepared to do so. Having looked seriously at the project I do not accept that there are any serious health risks associated with it. I have discussed the matter with the French minister with responsibility for the Loran C mast on the French coastline who has undertaken to supply all of the information available to him. I hope we will be able to find a community along the west coast which is prepared to consider accepting this project. While we are not in the business of wheeling and dealing, if we do find such a community I will be prepared to look at development possibilities in its area.
We have entered into an international agreement to put in place the Loran C navigation system which is considered to be a de luxe navigational aid. If the system is not put in place are we likely to be sued? Will there be financial implications?
I do not know if we are likely to be sued but it is a source of serious embarrassment that we are not in a position to fulfil our international obligations. I have received no indication as to what the outcome will be if we fail to deliver on this project. I am making a renewed effort and will bring proposals to Government to ensure there is a successful outcome.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
