TD calls on Ireland to join Antarctic treaties

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

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

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 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’.”