Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 2

Written Answers. - Gas Installations.

Joe Higgins

Question:

97 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has satisfied herself that each new house in housing estates is individually inspected to ensure proper standards of fitting of the gas supply and to avoid dangerous practices including leaving live gas pipes exposed to potential accidental damage which could have extreme consequences. [7733/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

All gas installations in domestic premises are governed by Irish Standard 813:1996 — Domestic Gas Installations. The standard was prepared by the gas technical standards committee, which operates under the auspices of the National Standards Authority of Ireland. The standard requires that all installations be tested and the issue of a certificate of conformance with the provisions of the standard.

BGE has assured me that it operates to the current Irish standards when providing a natural gas supply to new housing estates. BGE procedures require that the certificate of conformance is obtained from the developer for each house before the gas meter is fitted. At the time of fitting of the meter, the details of the certificate of conformance are checked for compliance with the standard. In addition, a visible check of the installation and flue is undertaken and the installation pipes are tested for gas tightness and confirmed to be satisfactory before the gas supply to the premises is turned on. The standard, procedures and inspections are in accordance with international best practice and are designed to ensure that a safe and secure system is provided to each house.

The Irish Liquified Petroleum Gas Association assures me that its members comply with the requirements of Irish Standard 813: 1996 and that all bulk and central storage supplied installations are checked for compliance with the requirements of the standard before gas is admitted. I am satisfied that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure that proper safety standards are being adhered to.