asked the Minister for Energy if he is concerned at the recent number of gas leaks in Cork and Dublin; and if he is satisfied that adequate measures are being taken to protect the general public from serious injury and possible loss of life.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gas Leaks.
7.
The responsibility for the safety and maintenance of gas installations lies with the gas undertakings themselves. I am, of course, concerned that the gas utilities should meet fully their statutory obligations in relation to safety. For this reason, I commissioned the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards to carry out an independent assessment of the safety practices in all of the town gas undertakings. The IIRS are expected to submit their report within three months.
Measures taken by the companies themselves to provide for safety of the public, include, in the case of Dublin, increased leak surveying, improved leak control and maintenance procedures. In addition, during 1985 Cork Gas Company commissioned a specialist's report on their system in order to identify what refurbishment was required. On foot of this report, I understand that the company intend to undertake a major refurbishment programme over the next two years.
The Minister said he expected the report within three months. When will the three months be up?
I expect to have the report within three months from now.
Was this as a result of my question or was it something the Minister was going to do anyway?
The report was commissioned prior to the question being submitted.
That is why I asked——
The question did not stimulate my interest.
I am glad to hear the Minister say he is concerned because many people in the cities are worried about the leaks. I asked him when would the commission report back to him. He stated it would be within three months but later he appeared to contradict that. When does he expect the report?
They are expected to submit the report within three months.
From when?
From now. I already have had reports from the IIRS on Wexford, Waterford, Clonmel, Dundalk and Kilkenny.
Can the Minister say anything here to reassure people who are worried?
I appreciate that there is concern. I should like to assure the Deputy that steps are being taken to allay that concern and also to make sure that the safety factors are kept at 100 per cent in the interest of the public.
Will the Minister state if the go-ahead has been given for Kilkenny?
There are two different aspects of the process.
Will the people in Kilkenny get natural gas?
That is a separate question.
I thought I might get some cheap information but it is not forthcoming. Did the Minister receive a report on the serious leaks that have occurred and can he tell the House what was the cause? Was it corrosion, old age, bad maintenance or malpractice that gave rise to the leaks that were a serious potential danger to people in Dublin and Cork?
The Cork Gas Company have recognised that there is a high level of leakage in the system. They have commissioned a report from a British gas consultancy and they will be considering the matter of refurbishment of the system generally. There is a multiplicity of reasons, age being one reason, and there is also the question of an on-going replacement policy for mains and service which will be undertaken during the next two years by the Cork Gas Company. If the Deputy wants specific reasons for the various leaks that have occurred he should ask specific questions. I have not detailed information to hand.
The Minister has admitted that there is a high level of leaks in the Cork area. Will he state what immediate action is being taken to remove the potential danger of immediate explosions from the general public in Cork?
In fairness, the Cork Gas Company are taking certain steps. They have been taking steps on an-ongoing basis in their normal day-to-day operations. When the consultancy report is furnished to them a refurbishment will take place.
The Minister has told us the report is not expected for three months. It appears there is a contradiction in what we are hearing.
We are talking about the Dublin Gas Company and the Cork Gas Company. They are different situations.
What is the position with regard to the Cork Gas Company?
On an on going day-to-day basis the Cork Gas Company are taking steps to ensure that leaks are kept to a minimum.
I hope there will be no more.