TD calls on Ireland to join Antarctic treaties

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

A Fianna Fáil TD has called for Ireland to formally recognise that Antarctica should only be used for peaceful purposes.

Malcolm Byrne introduced a bill to the Dáil on Wednesday which would see Ireland become the 59th nation to accede to the Antarctic Treaty System.

In 1959, the Antarctic Treaty enshrined the territory as a scientific preserve used only for peaceful purposes.

Joining the Antarctic Treaty System would mean Ireland formally recognises the Southern Continent should only be used for peaceful purposes, and would allow Irish researchers to take part in joint projects there.

Mr Byrne said Ireland is “the most populous member state of the European Union that is not in membership”.

He said the country has a “long and rich history and association with the Antarctic and Antarctic exploration.”

He outlined how Edward Bransfield, from County Cork, had “the first verified sighting of Antarctica recorded in 1820”, and how Francis Crozier, from County Down, “carried out much of the mapping of Antarctica” during the 19th century.

He said: “I think people in this house, and indeed around the country, would be very familiar with the stories of Tom Crean and indeed, Ernest Shackleton.

“Incredible individuals from the era of exploration, and their stories continue to inspire.”

Joining the treaty system would enable “a new generation of researchers”, he said.

“There’s a lot of research that’s been done in stations in the Antarctic, particularly around areas of climate, astronomy and marine biology.”

He added: “And it would allow Ireland to formally say ‘we believe that the Southern Continent should only be used for peaceful purposes and should never be exploited, particularly when it comes to the risk of it being exploited for fossil fuels’.”