Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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254. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if vessels carrying nuclear waste material travelling close to Irish waters are monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11244/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Formal Government to Government communication arrangements are in place in relation to the shipment of radioactive waste and spent fuel. These have been agreed under the auspices of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA Coastal and Shipping Dialogue which consists of Coastal and Shipping States has agreed guidelines on this available at

.

The guidelines provide for notification to Coastal States, including Ireland, of shipments of radioactive waste spent and spent nuclear fuel that will pass in proximity to their coastal waters. The notification is provided through diplomatic channels.

This system continues to function effectively in relation to the small number of such shipments that pass in proximity to Irish coastal waters. The prior notification of shipments allows for the principal response agencies, including EPA and Coast Guard, to be advised in advance of shipments in the unlikely event of a shipment encountering any difficulties. The Coastal and Shipping Dialogue participants hold on-going discussions with a view to improving arrangements in this area. Regular emergency and response exercises to test the appropriateness of arrangements in place are also held.

Ireland is currently chairing the Dialogue and later this year will host a workshop in Dublin that will examine areas for possible future improvements.