Waste dumping south of Fastnet
The Minister said no waste is dumped in territorial waters south of Fastnet; international dumping sites lie 240–300 nautical miles away and are governed by conventions. Asked about industrial and nuclear waste and risks from corroding containers, he emphasized preventing pollution, while acknowledging current practices are difficult to change.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry whether the dumping of waste is occurring in territorial or international waters south of the Fastnet, if so, if he will give details of same and the steps being taken to monitor and control such activity.
Comment on this
No dumping occurs in territorial waters south of the Fastnet. The nearest sites used for disposal of wastes in international waters are 240-300 nautical miles south of the Fastnet. Most of the wastes dumped are containerised liquids whose dilution and dispersion follows from the gradual erosion of the drums on the sea bed.
The disposal of wastes in international waters around Ireland is regulated and controlled by international conventions, namely, the Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft (Oslo Convention) and the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention).
Comment on this
The Minister told the House that dumping takes place 240 miles from the Irish coast and I should like to know if that includes industrial and nuclear waste. Is the Minister satisfied that in future years there will be no danger of pollution as a result of some of those canisters opening? I am sure the Minister is aware that salt eats into almost everything. Has this matter been investigated by the IIRS?
Comment on this
In future our attitude will be to prevent pollution rather than to adopt a stand whereby we would allow a certain degree of pollution. My attitude is that we should endeavour to prevent it.
Comment on this
Is the Minister saying that industrial or nuclear waste will not be dumped in international waters in future?
Comment on this
I am not saying that, but we will need to monitor everything carefully to keep tabs on the part of the sea where any waste is dumped. We should ensure, as far as we can, that dumping is prevented rather than allowed in any way.