Transport Ministers launch public consultation to aid national planning for pollution at sea

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard, Seán Canney today launched a review of the State’s National Maritime Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan. The Plan, first published in 2020, provides a national framework for preparedness, response, recovery and interagency coordination in relation to maritime casualties and marine pollution incidents along our coasts and at sea.

Since its publication, there have been several advances in the management and prevention of maritime casualty and pollution incidents internationally, both from a legislative and technological perspective. It is considered timely to review the planning process in light of these changes in conjunction with interested parties and relevant stakeholders.

The Irish Coast Guard is opening a public consultation to help capture public and stakeholder views in this important area, particularly those with an interest in protecting wildlife and the marine environment as well as those involved in local coastal businesses and industries, including the tourism sector. To accompany the survey, and to provide further context for respondents, The Coast Guard are also publishing an Issues Paper which sets out the legislative basis for the Plan, the incident command system governing responses to pollution events and the rationale for reviewing the Plan at this time.