Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 2

Written Answers. - Gas Interconnector with UK.

Paul McGrath

Question:

46 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Energy when work will commence on the new gas interconnection with Great Britain; and if he will consider the recommendations of the Culliton committee in relation to ownership of the pipeline and access to supply.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy)

Construction by Bord Gáis Éireann of the Ireland/UK gas interconnector is due to commence early in 1993 and the project is on target for completion in October of that year.

I have already stated my intention that the pipeline should be under the control of a separate company with a majority participation by BGE. I would hope that this company would attract private sector participation.

I am broadly in favour of the principle of third party access, wherever practicable, particularly for major consumers, as proposed in the Culliton report, subject of course, to security of supply considerations.