Vol. 501 No. 6
143 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the capacity of the gas interconnector between Ireland and Scotland which comes ashore at Loughshinny, County Dublin; and the proposals, if any, there are to increase its capacity. [6877/99]
144 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the projected demand for domestic and industrial gas up to 2005; if she has satisfied herself that this demand can be met by the current gas interconnector from Scotland; if not, the other options available; and her preference in this regard. [6878/99]
145 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will clarify recent newspaper reports concerning a new gas interconnector; where this connection is proposed; when procedures will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7138/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143, 144 and 145 together.
I would refer the Deputies to the replies to Questions Nos. 7, 40 and 60 by the Minister for Public Enterprise on 18 February 1999.
The current capacity of the gas interconnector between Scotland and Ireland is 9-10 million standard cubic metres per day. Bord Gáis will enhance the capacity of the interconnector to 17 million standard cubic metres per day by means of additional compression to be provided in the years 2000 and 2001. There will then be adequate capacity to meet forecast gas demands to 2004.
A study of gas demand to the year 2025, based on a number of growth scenarios, being carried out by Bord Gáis and my Department, shows that by 2005 daily peak demand for gas for domestic, industrial and other purposes will grow to between 17.1 and 25.2 million standard cubic metres. The necessary additional gas transmission infrastructure to cater for the demand for gas from 2004 will be put in place in good time.
There have been recent newspaper reports about a number of proposals and options for the provision of additional gas infrastructure, all of which will be carefully considered by me.
