Deputy Gay Mitchell has given me notice of his intention to raise the subject matter of a further gas explosion in Dublin this afternoon.
Private Notice Question. - Dublin Gas Explosion.
asked the Minister for Energy if, following on a further gas explosion in Dublin this afternoon, his attention has been drawn to the fact that lives are in danger from gas in Dublin city and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have so far had only a very preliminary report of the incident attributed to a gas leak, which occurred at Nicholas Street, Dublin — a corporation apartment block — at about 1.43 p.m. today.
My information is that there was one person injured and some damage to the building. The accident appears to have been due to a gas leak. I am awaiting a full report on the matter.
I thank the Minister for his reply. I accept that he may not have full information to hand. Whatever the precise cause of this explosion — and I shall await the outcome before I make any judgment on that — is the Minister aware of widespread concern in the capital about the safe distribution of gas in general? Is he satisfied that every step is being taken — leaving aside today's incident which we will not prejudge — to ensure the safe distribution of gas?
With regard to the particular incident that happened today, the Deputy will appreciate that this happened only about an hour and a half ago. It would not be possible to indicate to the House at this stage the problems which created it. In relation to the Deputy's further question, as he knows, the Minister for Energy has tried very consistently to ensure, in so far as his range of responsibility is concerned, that every aspect of safety in this matter is considered. As the Deputy knows, recently there have been a few situations which have obviously created anxiety amongst the public and it is the Government's determination to insist, as far as is possible, that the standards which are operated are of a nature which will not allow for that kind of insecurity with regard to the safety of the people of Dublin.
Is the Minister aware that, irrespective of whether this explosion came from bottled gas or mains gas, I have been pressing in the House for legislation on by-laws to make buildings safe for the use of gas, both bottled and mains? This happened as recently as this morning. Is the Minister also aware that Dublin Gas — and again without prejudice to what has happened this afternoon — promised Dublin City Council that holes dug, in excess of 1,000, in the capital would be filled in and that the installations would be rendered safe before the end of April? Is he aware that this has not been done and, irrespective of today's explosion, that there is widespread public concern about the safety of Dublin because of these gas leaks?
I realise that following examination of the system a considerable number of holes have been dug around the city streets and that they have caused a lot of problems for the public, but the Deputy will have to appreciate that in attempting to find solutions to these problems the gas company must examine all their operations. On occasions they can be delayed longer than anticipated. I take the Deputy's point and I will indicate to the company the need to ensure that these matters are attended to within the confines possible.
Is the Minister in a position to assure the House that in his Department there are the necessary engineering safety officers working with Dublin Gas, a company that have had a traumatic time trying to cope with this major problem? Have the engineering personnel the resources to cope with this major problem in Dublin?
My information is that these engineering resources in the Department are available to the company. I can assure the Deputy that nothing will be left undone to try to solve this problem. I appreciate that it has developed beyond acceptable proportions in recent months. It is being dealt with by the Government and the Minister for Energy as a matter of priority.
Is the Minister aware that the ad hoc informal committee of Dublin Deputies will meet the gas company tomorrow? That meeting was scheduled before today's incident. I should like to ask the Minister, without prejudice to what happened today, to consider arranging for a Government agency to take control of the safe distribution of gas in the city? Will the Minister agree that the way the city is being dug up demands that the Government, or some agency of the Government, should become directly involved to try to ensure that gas distribution in the city is safe?
I would like to co-operate with the House in every way in replying to this question but I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that what he has raised now is outside the scope of his Private Notice Question.
Will the Minister include in his examination the question of regulations for bottle gas?
Every aspect of the case is being actively considered.