2.—(1) A harbour authority shall, F9[as soon as possible] after the commencement of this section, prepare and submit to the Minister a plan for the prevention and minimisation of damage arising out of an oil pollution incident occurring in a harbour under its control.

F10[(1A) A harbour authority shall, as soon as possible after the commencement of this subsection, prepare and submit to the Minister a plan for the prevention and minimisation of damage arising out of a pollution incident by hazardous and noxious substances occurring in a harbour under its control.]

(2) The operator of an offshore unit or oil handling facility shall, F9[as soon as possible] after the commencement of this section, prepare and submit to the Minister a plan for the prevention and minimisation of damage arising out of an oil pollution incident occurring on the offshore unit or oil handling facility concerned.

F10[(2A) The operator of a hazardous and noxious substances handling facility shall, as soon as possible after the commencement of this subsection, prepare and submit to the Minister a plan for the prevention and minimisation of damage arising out of a pollution incident by hazardous and noxious substances occurring on the handling facility concerned.]

(3) The Minister may require a local authority, within such period as is specified by the Minister, to prepare and submit to him or her a plan for the prevention and minimisation of damage, arising out of an oil pollution incident, to any area of seashore that is in whole or in part within its functional area or contiguous thereto.

F10[(3A) The Minister may require a local authority, within such period as is specified by the Minister, to prepare and submit to him or her a plan for the prevention and minimisation of damage, arising out of a pollution incident by hazardous and noxious substances, to any area of seashore that is in whole or in part within its functional area or contiguous thereto.

(3B) The owner or master of a relevant Irish ship shall, as soon as possible after the commencement of this subsection, prepare and submit to the Minister a plan for the prevention and minimisation of damage arising out of an oil pollution incident and a plan for the prevention and minimisation of damage arising out of a pollution incident by hazardous and noxious substances occurring on such ship.]

(4) The Minister may approve a plan to which this section applies.

(5) A plan to which this section applies shall include such provisions and provide for the adoption of such measures and procedures by the harbour authority, F9[operator, local authority or Irish ship concerned] as the Minister may direct.

(6) A person who fails to comply with a requirement or direction of a Minister under this section shall be guilty of an offence.