asked the Minister for Energy if he will give a report on progress made to date in upgrading the Dublin gas grid; if a timetable has been set for the completion of the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
48.
Written Answers. - Dublin Gas.
42.
asked the Minister for Energy if he has satisfied himself that the public are not in danger from gas leaks in the Dublin region.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 48 together.
As Deputies are aware various independent reports have been prepared on safety matters at Dublin Gas. The recommendations in these reports have set the agenda for improving the gas supply system. Safety in the operation of the gas system is a pirority.
I am advised that the implementation of the gas-related recommendations in the Cremer and Warner report should be completed by the end of the year, and that the recommendations of the VEG GAS INSTITUUT report are on schedule for implementation within their respective timescales. About 30 per cent of the recommendations of the Task Force Report on Multi-Storey buildings have been implemented. All its recommendations will be implemented within the three year timescale recommended by the Task Force. Progress on all of these reports is being closely monitored.
At present about 14 kilometres of mains and service pipe have been replaced. By year end this figure will rise to about 17 kilometres. The pipe replacement programme is being carried out on a safety priority basis. An extensive mains conditioning programme is also well advanced.
In addition, Dublin Gas continue to run public awareness campaigns consisting of mail-shots, newspaper advertisements, notices in public buildings, and TV coverage beginning in mid-December.
All of these efforts are designed to reduce to the absolute minimum the possibility of danger to the public. It is not possible, however, to eliminate risk entirely, and public awareness and co-operation are essential to discharging the onus on everyone to secure maximum safety.