asked the Minister for Energy the size and expected lifetime of the Kinsale Head gas reservoir; the Government's policy, if any, on the rate of depletion of the reserves and on the best possible usage, from the national and economic and social standpoint, of these reserves in the future; his views on whether the best possible usage of the resource has been obtained, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Gas Reserves.
144.
Total gas reserves are estimated at 1.353 trillion cubic feet. Based on current gas offtakes and estimated reserves, gas could continue to be extracted from the Kinsale Head field until the end of the century at least. Annual offtakes from the field are subject to the provisions of the contract between Marathon and BGE. Under a decision of the Supreme Court of July 1986, Marathon are not obliged to deliver more than 60 billion cubic feet per annum from the Kinsale Head field.
I am satisfied that every effort has and will continue to be made to obtain the best possible return for the economy from the available reserves.