Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dumping At Sea.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

67 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to refuse two dumping at sea applications within the operational zone of the Dundalk Harbour Commissioners which include the disposal of 175,000 tonnes of material at sea and the placement of PCB contaminated material on the foreshore in view of the danger to shellfish and to the livelihoods of north Dublin fishermen and their families who depend on it. [15734/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

My Department is currently processing an application under the Dumping at Sea Act, 1996, from Greenore Ferry Services Limited, to dump a maximum amount of 175,000 tonnes of dredge spoil at sea from renovations and an extension of the Quay Wall at Greenore Ferry Port to cater better for business. An application under the Foreshore Acts has also been submitted by the company for this development. Phase 1 of the project involves the disposal of 35,000 tonnes, maximum, of this spoil. Phase 2 of the project, which involves extensive dredging and expansion works, will require a full environmental impact statement, which is being commissioned at present by the applicants.

As part of my Department's assessment of all such applications, a full and detailed analysis of the material for dumping was carried out and showed that some of the material, 5,000 tonnes approximately, was contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls. While the level of the contamination is quite low, over 300 times less than that found in the blubber of marine mammals off the west coast of Ireland, it is my Department's opinion that the material should be removed from the marine environment and, in consultation with the applicant, the EPA, and scientific advisers, a practicable and environmentally sound means of dealing with the matter was devised. This entails the placing of the contaminated material in concrete behind the new quay wall, in a manner which will ensure that it is isolated from the marine environment. This work will be closely monitored throughout by my Department which is satisfied that there will be no adverse impact on fisheries in the area. It is the considered view of my Department, which has actively sought to have the contaminated material properly dealt with, that containment is the best environmental option available. To do nothing, and leave the contaminated material exposed to the elements, is in contravention of marine environmental policy which requires that all possible steps be taken to restore marine areas which have been adversely affected.

My Department has not yet completed its consideration as regards the dumping at an offshore site of the remaining phase 1 material, namely, 30,000 tonnes of clean material, consideration of phase 2 must await full assessment and publication of the EIS. Objections from local fishermen have been received and these are being considered by my Department and its expert advisers. The Deputy can be assured that when processing a permit to dump at sea, full consideration is given to the likely effects of the proposed dredging and dumping on the marine environment, including fisheries and other users. Arrangements are in place for consultation with the public and statutory consultees and all objections are fully considered prior to any decision being made. Arrangements have been made in this instance to meet with objectors to discuss the possibility of altering the proposed dumpsite, if deemed necessary, and-or curtailing or timing the dumping operation in a manner which could minimise any possible adverse impacts.