Vol. 422 No. 4
127 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Energy if he will make a statement on the current position regarding the proposed gas pipeline between Ireland and the United Kingdom; whether agreement has been reached between An Bord Gáis and the farmers and horticulturists in the area regarding compensation; and if he will arrange for Bord Gáis to meet with representatives of Loughshinny and District Development Association to discuss matters of concern to their members.
The Ireland/UK gas interconnector project is well advanced and is still on target for its original completion date in October 1993. The question of compensation for landowners along the route of the Ireland onshore segment of this pipeline, as in the case of any other pipeline, is primarily a matter for negotiation between Bord Gáis Éireann and the persons concerned. I understand that the IFA has received a mandate to negotiate terms on behalf of the affected landowners and that such negotiations are currently under way. If the Loughshinny and District Development Association wish to meet with Bord Gáis in the matter, I would suggest that they contact the Board directly.
