Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
431. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 5 February 2026, the provisions that are put in place in the event that a cargo ship or other shipping vessel spills intentionally or in error spills any amount of oil from their tanks in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12665/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in my response to Parliamentary Question Nos. 9, 10, 11 and 12 of 28 January 2026 and further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 5 February 2026, as provided for under the Sea Pollution Acts, the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), serves as the national competent authority for marine pollution. The IRCG is responsible for developing and co-ordinating an effective regime for response to marine casualty incidents, monitoring or intervening in marine salvage operations, and preparedness and response to pollution by oil and HNS within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The National Maritime Oil/HNS Spill Contingency Plan establishes Ireland’s national framework and strategy to coordinate marine pollution preparedness and response.
The IRCG’s new fixed wing service provides additional maritime environmental monitoring capabilities, including investigation of pollution reports and proactive monitoring flights of Ireland’s coastline and EEZ. The IRCG monitors traffic transiting through our EEZ. This includes receipt and assessment of satellite pollution alerts from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
In the event of a major maritime event within Ireland’s EEZ, Ireland can utilise the provisions of the Sea Pollution Acts to request assistance from neighbouring States. As an EU Member State, Ireland can access a range of services from EMSA to help respond quickly, effectively, and efficiently to oil or chemical marine pollution incidents from ships within Ireland’s EEZ. Ireland is also party to a number of international agreements, such as the Bonn Agreement, that can provide assistance and support in the event of a major pollution incident.
Furthermore, the IRCG maintains a national stockpile of oil spill response equipment. The principal stockpile is situated in Blanchardstown, Dublin and two smaller stockpiles are maintained in Killybegs, Co. Donegal and Castletownbere, Co. Cork. Additionally, the IRCG has contractual arrangements in place to support response to pollution incidents.
