Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The regulations which govern maritime safety issues are complex and varied and depend on many issues such as the type of the vessel used, its size, proposed operating area and other factors. I am unclear on the particular thrust of the Deputy’s question - I am sure he will clarify the matter in his supplementary question - but I can confirm that Ireland applies the internationally recognised standards to vessels servicing the offshore renewables sector, namely, the standards of the International Maritime Organisation’s conventions governing such vessels and the relevant European regulations in this area.

In the main, the relevant conventions are the IMO SOLAS Convention, the International Load Line Convention and the EU Passenger Ship Directive 2009/45. In cases relating to vessels carrying fewer than 12 passengers, domestic legislation, that is, statutory instruments, applies. Subject to compliance with the relevant conventions and regulations to which I have referred, no restrictions apply to Irish boat yards in the supply of vessels for the offshore wind farm sector. In the case of vessels flying the Irish flag, my Department which acts as the safety regulator for the maritime sector has arrangements in place for surveying vessels. The larger vessels will be surveyed by a recognised organisation or, in the case of smaller vessels, the Department will undertake the work. Vessels meeting the required standards will be issued with the relevant convention certificates appropriate to the type of vessel in question. Similarly, a foreign flagged vessel in Ireland will need to comply with the international conventions and Irish regulations, as appropriate, to their intended operations.

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