Potential disaster to our shores

AS oil slicks threaten one of the worst environmental disasters ever witnessed, the urgency of vigilance along Ireland’s rugged coast has seldom been greater.

From a national perspective, there is an onus on local authorities on the south and west coast to ensure they are fully equipped and ready to combat pollution on the beaches as prevailing winds and ocean currents could drive crude oil from the area where the tanker has sunk off Spain towards Ireland and Britain.

While Spain, Portugal and France face an immediate threat, the risk of oil reaching this country cannot be ruled out.