Alan M. Dukes
Ceist:105 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the measures he intends to take to remove the derelict tug which currently constitutes a navigational hazard at Clogherhead Pier, County Louth. [9508/01]
Written Answers. - Derelict Tug.
As previously stated in my reply on 14 November 2000, I have no direct role in relation to the removal of the derelict tug at Clogherhead Pier, County Louth. The statutory powers and responsibilities which address the removal of wrecked vessels where they pose a threat are contained in the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act, 1993. The three key statutory provisions, contained in the Act which govern the removal or rendering harmless of wrecked vessels are section 51(2) which places a responsibility on the owner of a wreck to remove or render it harmless where it is likely to become an obstruction or danger to navigation or to lifeboats engaged in the lifeboat service, or a threat of harm to the marine environment or related interests, which include fishing and tourist activities, which constitute the means of livelihood for persons concerned, and the tourist attractions of any area concerned; section 51(3) which empowers the appropriate authorities, which are defined as harbour authorities, local authorities and the Commissioners of Irish Lights, to serve a notice on an owner requiring the owner to remove or render harmless a wreck in these circumstances; and section 52 which also gives the appropriate authorities certain powers to remove or render harmless an offending wreck and to recover the expenses incurred from the relevant person. The relevant person is defined as the owner of the wreck at the time when it sunk or was wrecked, grounded, stranded or abandoned. While harbour authorities' and the Commissioners of Irish Lights' powers to remove a wreck arise only where it is likely to be an obstruction or danger to navigation or lifeboats, local authorities have further discretion to act if the wreck constitutes a threat to the marine environment or to related interests.
The appropriate authority in this instance is Louth County Council, which has advised that while the vessel is an obstruction to other users of the harbour it cannot be considered a hazard to navigation. They have also advised that Marine Blast Limited, who are the registered owners of the vessel, intend to make an attempt to refloat the vessel in the next four weeks. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.