Peter Barry
Question:196 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications when our own natural gas supplies will be depleted, based on present and forecast sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Supplies.
At current and projected rates of consumption, reserves at the Kinsale Head and Bally-cotton gas fields will be depleted shortly after the turn of the century.
Peter Barry
Question:197 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the length of time for which natural gas supplies will be assured to this country following the commissioning of the pipeline to the UK; the assurances, if any, there are of uninterrupted supplies through this route in the event of an energy emergency worldwide; if assurances are being sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The duration and level of assurance associated with a gas supply are functions of the contract or contracts under which it is purchased. Regard must also be had to the reliability of the supplier and of the supply system, and also to the back-up measures provided for in the contract.
Bord Gáis Éireann will have regard to these considerations in the negotiation and conclusion of any long term gas contract to which it becomes a party. I understand that, although large volumes will not need to be imported prior to 1995, the board is now in discussion with prospective suppliers in the international markets.
For the short term, Bord Gáis has concluded a back-up gas supply agreement which would entitle it to sufficient gas supplies in the event that any interruption occurred in the supply of gas from Kinsale.
As to the possibility of interruption in the event of an emergency in international markets, the agreement recently concluded between Ireland and the UK in respect of the interconnector pipeline includes an important provision to ensure that the two Governments will consult immediately to establish a framework for co-operation should the gas supply be threatened in either jurisdiction. I hope to have this agreement laid before the House for its approval shortly. It would be my intention in the event of future international agreements with other States about gas supplies, that a similar assurance would be sought.
Finally, I might add that an EC Directive of 31 May 1991, on transit of natural gas through grids, ensures that Bord Gáis will be able to transport gas bought from utilities in the Community through intervening high pressure grids on fair commercial terms.