Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 6

Written Answers. - Decommissioning of Ships.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

266 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if approval has been granted by the Irish marine authorities to allow for the passage through Irish waters and international waters adjacent to Ireland, of a number of US military ships, some of which may be contaminated with nuclear radiation, for passage to Britain where they are to be decommissioned; if the Irish authorities have evaluated the environment risk posed by such a passage; if consultation has taken place between the US naval and British naval and marine authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24349/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

As soon as I became aware of the intention of the US authorities to tow 13 derelict naval ships to Britain I instructed the Coast Guard to establish all relevant facts regarding the proposed operation and to assess the risks to this country in the event of an accident. I am aware of concerns expressed about the dangers that an accident might pose, and I was also very concerned that it was intended to tow these old vessels across the Atlantic in winter. The first tow commenced on Monday, 6 October and is expected to take 28 days to berth. The second departed on Thursday, 16 October.

The planned route will take the tows some 210 miles south of the Fasnet Rock. This route does not enter Irish territorial waters, the Ireland search and rescue region or the Irish pollution responsibility zone. It passes approximately 35 miles south of the south-west tip of the pollution zone.

The Coast Guard has maintained direct contact with the relevant authorities in both the US and the UK and it has been provided with all the information it has requested. This includes specific details of planned departure times and routes in each case, details of the risk assessments carried out in respect of each vessel, information on the emergency preparedness and response as well as details of tug manning arrangements and fitness to tow. The Coast Guard has also received the findings of three separate surveys into the vessels, including one undertaken by a UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency surveyor, in relation to the seaworthiness, watertight integrity and stability of the vessels. The coast guard receives daily updates on the status of the tows.

The risk assessments in respect of the vessels do not show that a nuclear radiation hazard exists. Furthermore, the US Coast Guard has issued each vessel with the necessary load line exemption certificate for the trip in accordance with international maritime law.

Having regard to the information supplied to it, the Coast Guard is satisfied with the towing arrangements, including contingency plans in the event of an incident, and it will continue to monitor the tow very closely.