Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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251. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport with his responsibilities under the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993; and the steps he is taking in relation to MV Alta in Ballycotton, including addressing health and safety concerns in relation to persons travelling to view the vessel. [12758/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the relevant legislation that allows for the removal of abandoned vessels in Irish waters such as the MV Alta, is the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993.

Section 40 of the Act provides that the Minister for Transport has the “general superintendence” of matters relating to wrecked or stranded vessels. The Act also sets out the responsibilities from an operational perspective for other bodies. Sections 51 and 52 are of note with regard to the duties of the owner and appropriate authorities.

Section 51 places the initial responsibility for removing a wreck on the owner of the vessel. However, if the appropriate authority, in this case Cork County Council, considers the wreck is or is likely to become an obstruction or danger to navigation or a threat of harm to the marine environment, or to related interests, which includes the health of the public, it shall proceed to raise and remove the wreck or otherwise render it harmless.

While the Act does allow for the removal of a wreck, it does not contain provisions in relation to the costs associated with the removal of a wreck where the sale of that wreck is not possible, and the owners of the vessel cannot be located. It is understood that no evidence of ownership or insurance has come to light yet in the case referred to by the Deputy.

My Department commissioned a health and safety assessment of the wreck referred to by the Deputy in the summer of 2022, with work taking place over number of months. Following completion of this health and safety assessment, the findings were considered by my Department and the report was shared with the relevant appropriate authorities as outlined in the legislation in order to consider any appropriate actions.

Cork County Council and my Department of Transport are continuing to liaise in terms of any residual risks associated with the wreck and a set of interventions to address public safety concerns in the vicinity of the wreck have been identified. I expect these works, including the erection of fencing and signage will be completed early in 2023.