Michael Finucane
Ceist:68 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the status regarding the siting of the Loran C navigation mast; and if he intends to proceed with the provision of this navigation system. [16760/00]
Written Answers. - Loran C Navigation Mast.
As I indicated in my reply to a similar question on 10 May 2000, there are a range of issues involved in this very complex and sensitive matter. On the one hand, there is the existence of a binding international commitment on the part of the State, issues to do with safety of marine navigation in our general area and whether we should or could depend in future on GPS, a radio-navigation system operated and maintained by the US. On the other hand 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 some time to brief myself adequately on the totality of these issues and that I could not give a timeframe for when decisions might be made.