The Minister for the Marine says he has received assurances about safety standards on a flotilla of toxic "ghost ships" due to pass near Irish waters shortly.
Mr Ahern has raised his concerns with the British authorities about the fleet of former US Navy warships which are due to be dismantled in Britain.
Environmentalists have threatened to block the passage of the 13 ships, which are between 40 and 50 years old and are contaminated with deadly chemicals, including PCBs, asbestos and heavy diesel.
The Green MEP, Ms Patricia McKenna, last night demanded that the Government take action to stop the ships entering Irish waters.
However, a spokesman for Mr Ahern said the fleet would not be entering Irish waters, so there was little the Government could do.
Assurances had been received from the company towing the ships in relation to anti-pollution controls, towing methods and the training of staff.
He acknowledged that the ships could pose a threat to Ireland if an accident occurred and they were to break up during the 4,000-mile journey.
On Thursday a judge in Washington ruled that four ships could be allowed to leave, and another court hearing will be held on October 20th to decide the fate of the other nine.
