Since a dramatic rescue in Drogheda Port with the re-floating of the hopper-dredger Hebble Sand from sinking in the River Boyne recently, no repairs have been carried out, writes the Drogheda Independent.

In addition there is no indication given as to when the almost 60 year-old dredger will be moved.

Fergus O’Dowd, the local T.D. has received correspondence from Louth County Council's environmental department, who have been overseeing developments in the process.

“What I have been told is, to date, no repairs have been made to the boat. They are currently monitoring the level of water in the boat to make sure the boat stays afloat and upright,” said Deputy O’Dowd.

“Tanks and pumps are due down during the week to remove diesel fuel from the vessel fuel tank and empty bilges. The contractor was on-site yesterday to make an initial assessment of equipment required. Once this is removed the repairs will be carried out with the aid of divers to make the vessel safe”.

The installation of double booms at the river berth still remain in place to contain residual diesel.

For more on the operation (click here) on the dredger that Afloat adds was built in 1963 to originally serve UK ports.