asked the Minister for Energy the reason Bord Gáis Éireann is spending £20 million on compression facilities to maintain the flow of gas; if the production of gas is the responsibility of Marathon or Bord Gáis Éireann if major capital works are being undertaken by Bord Gáis Éireann to upgrade the Dublin-Cork pipeline; and if these could not have been anticipated prior to its construction and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin-Cork Pipeline.
143.
While the production of gas offshore is the responsibility of Marathon, the further transmission of gas within Ireland is the responsibility of Bord Gáis Éireann. The decision to build the Cork-Dublin 18" pipeline was contingent on a compressor station being constructed at a later date. The diameter of the pipeline was decided after an economic evaluation of the size and timing of compression facilities, and the decision taken then was the most economical one. A total expenditure of IR£18.4 million was approved and it is expected that this figure will not be exceeded. No capital works are being undertaken by Bord Gáis Éireann to upgrade the Cork to Dublin pipeline.