Vol. 518 No. 6
92 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the investigation held into the circumstances in which a barge working on the Bray coastal protection scheme ran adrift of its moorings in Bray creating a serious danger of oil pollution; the steps being taken to ensure that there is no recurrence of this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12917/00]
A full investigation into the incident in which a barge being used in the construction works at Bray harbour, County Wicklow, broke adrift of its moorings on 3 April 2000 is being carried out under section 728 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, by a surveyor from the marine survey office of my Department.
This investigation is ongoing and a report of its findings will be presented to me as soon as it is completed. The purpose of the investigation is to establish the circumstances and cause of the incident and to identify measures aimed at avoiding a recurrence. I can assure the Deputy that I will act quickly upon receiving the report to ensure that such measures identified are considered urgently by my Department with a view to their implementation without any undue delay.
In the meantime, the marine survey office has stipulated a number of conditions which the company carrying out the construction works must meet in relation to the safe operation of any vessel being used for the future duration of the works at Bray harbour. Chief among these is the requirement for adequate contingency measures to be in place to deal with any adverse weather which is forecasted. The marine survey office will continue to monitor the safe operation of vessels involved in the construction works to ensure that these conditions are being met and maintained.
