Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Gas Grid.

Nora Owen

Question:

179 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 9 March 1999, she will make a statement on the comments by a spokesman for An Bord Gáis that duplicating the existing Scotland-Ireland gas line remains the preferred option; what status these comments have; if this option means that this duplication would be located at Loughshinny, County Dublin; and if this matter is still undecided as indicated in her reply. [8499/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I am informed by Bord Gáis that the comments referred to by the Deputy were made by a spokesman for the company by way of response to a request from a journalist for a comment on a proposal by another company to provide a North-South gas interconnector, in the context of providing infrastructure for the growing demand for natural gas.

As stated in reply to questions on this subject on 18 February last, Bord Gáis and my Depart ment are carrying out a study of gas demand and related infrastructural developments to the year 2025. As part of that study, technical consultants appointed by Bord Gáis have recommended the provision of a second gas interconnector between Scotland and Dublin, parallel to the existing interconnector, as the optimal solution to the provision of additional infrastructure to cater for the growing demand for natural gas.

This recommendation is still being examined by Bord Gáis and my Department. The consultant's recommendation is being examined against the background of a possible commercial gas discovery in the Corrib field off the west coast, a proposal for the provision of a North-South interconnector and the interest shown by a number of private sector companies in the provision of additional gas infrastructure both to and within the State.

The various options and proposals will be care fully considered by me and no decision has been taken regarding a possible pipeline landfall at Loughshinny, County Dublin.