asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the recent fatal tragedy caused by a gas explosion in Mitchel Street, Clonmel, County Tipperary, he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gas Explosion Tragedy.
9.
I understand that a full examination of the circumstances of the explosion is being conducted by the Clonmel Corporation. This includes an immediate, thorough check of cellars and underground spaces in which escaped gas might collect. A full examination of the safety and general condition of the local authority gas system by an independent expert is also being arranged. This will seek to identify any remedial or renewal works that may be needed and their feasibility having regard to the long-term viability of the system, and the possibility of alternative supply arrangement will also be considered. I have been keeping in touch with the progress of these investigations, and have impressed on the local authority my wish that they be conducted as expeditiously as possible.
I want to thank the Minister for taking the question at short notice. He is aware that this is the fifth serious injury apart, from the death, which has occurred in the last six or seven years in explosions in the town. There is a feeling in the area at the moment that it would be safer to cut off the gas pending the outcome of that inquiry and to supply a type of bottle or container in which the liquid petroleum gas can be kept.
I would not like to prejudge what the investigation will reveal. I agree with Deputy Davern that in 1969, 1971, 1974 and 1976 there were explosions as a result of the leakage of gas but the matter is being investigated. I assume that only in a very small area is there any question of some leakage which has caused these explosions. It would be unfair of me—I am sure Deputy Davern does not want to do this—to give the impression to people living in the town that there is a grave danger of further explosions. I do not think there is. The matter is being investigated and we hope within a week to have a report on what steps are necessary.
I am sure the Minister is aware of an RTE programme on this matter which did an excellent survey on the effects of this gas on the old pipe system. This, perhaps, was what frightened people who can be victims of it without having any gas connection in their houses. The area of Mitchel Street and Parnell Street in the town is the one affected. There are between 2 per cent and 3 per cent users of gas in that area. Cutting the gas off from that section of the town which has been hit hardest would be justified.
I am sure the Deputy realises I am anxious to help him but we must proceed by way of question.
That coincides with Deputy Davern's views to help himself. I would not blame him for that either.
Would the Minister have his Department carry out an investigation as well as the independent one within the next few days to have this matter looked into and at least seal off that area of the town?
Unfortunately I have no authority to order a local inquiry. The inquiry which is being carried out and which I understand will be completed within a week is the ideal way of having this matter dealt with. The IIRS are also involved in this. Deputy Davern has referred to the RTE programme. I sometimes wonder if RTE programmes and other types of publicity, which have the effect of frightening a lot of people who do not need to be frightened, have as much merit in them as Deputy Davern seems to think.
Is the Minister suggesting that an RTE programme is more deadly than a gas explosion?
No, but so far the explosions which have occurred there, with one exception, have not killed or maimed people. There was an exception when one explosion did. It would be unfair, for that reason, if we decided without going fully into the facts to, as Deputy Davern says, cut off the gas from people who obviously feel it is the best for heating or cooking. I do not think Deputy Davern would like that to happen either and I am sure those people would not. I suggest, therefore, that we leave it as it is because within a week we will have the full report on it and we will then decide on what is the best action to take.
There have been three explosions in which people have been seriously injured.
The matter was as serious when it happened in 1969 and 1971 as it is now. Nothing was done then. Something is being done now and I suggest that we do not make a meal out of it.
If the import of Deputy Davern's question is, as it appears to me, to be that a different kind of gas is now being generated through old pipes used to transmitting coal gas and since that is happening in other parts of the county as well— we are aware of similar incidents to the one in Clonmel—would it not be feasible and wise to have some kind of investigation carried out as to the suitability of the old pipes for the new type of gas?
That is being done now. The only one for which the Department of Local Government have any responsibility—other Departments may—is the one in Clonmel. The other firms that are carrying out the making of gas are private firms. It is true that this has been going on since some time towards the end of the sixties. While I agree that the accident which occurred is the culmination of a number of accidents which occurred over a period of years—four in a period of seven years—we should not create a feeling that everything must stop because this has happened. I believe an investigation should be carried out. This is being done. We expect a report within a week and we should leave it at that. If steps have then to be taken the House can be assured that they will be taken. Deputy Lynch's question is a good one but in fact the investigation being carried out will relate to the effect of propane gas on pipes which were originally intended for coal gas. We can only advise or ask the other Departments, who are responsible, to have a look at the situation when we get the report. There is nothing we can do until we get the report.
Will the report be made public?
I would not like to guarantee that it will be made public but if a question is asked here Deputy Davern will know what the answer must be.