Ireland's coast is more exposed than ever to pollution incidents like the Kowloon Bridge off Cork over a decade ago, according to the author of proposed new guidelines on oil spillages.
The increased severity of Atlantic storms and the cost-cutting trends within the highly competitive shipping industry mean that accidents will continue to occur in spite of improved safety at sea, Mr Jack O'Sullivan, environmental consultant, has said.
Pressure on shipping operators to maximise cargo capacity and reduce turn-around-time had led to potentially unsafe shipping designs, in both bulk carriers and roro ships - and Ireland is on the doorstep of major north Atlantic shipping routes, he stressed.
Local and coastal authorities must be better informed about preparing for and managing oil spills, as remedial measures can often do greater environmental damage, Mr O'Sullivan warned. Most of the smaller spills come from onshore terminals, cargo and passenger vessels, fishing boats and other craft, he added.
Mr O'Sullivan, of Environmental Management Services, was speaking at the publication yesterday in Limerick of a proposed set of oil spill guidelines, which he has drawn up with Mr Tony Lowes of An Taisce's West Cork branch. They were sponsored by An Taisce and Irish Shell and have been presented to the Minister for the Marine, Dr Woods. They have also been prepared for coastal residents, to increase awareness of the need for prevention and an effective response.
Emergency plans to deal with oil pollution are to be prepared by the Minister's Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES), under new legislation which extends Ireland's responsibility for dealing with spills from 12 to 200 miles.
Under the Sea Pollution (Amendment) Bill, reporting of oil pollution incidents or potential incidents becomes mandatory, and emergency plans will have to be put in place by harbour authorities, ships carrying oil as cargo, operators of offshore installations, oil handling and producing facilities and some local authorities. New penalities of up to £10 million have been included for non-compliance.
The amended law will enable Ireland to ratify the International Maritime Organisation's convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation.
Last weekend, new rules requiring notification by vessels carrying radioactive materials were introduced, bringing an EU directive into domestic law.
Oil Spill Contingency Plans and Saving Oiled Sea Birds is available from An Taisce, Tailors' Hall, Back Lane, Dublin 8, at £3.
