The gas pipeline to Fingal is coming in at Loughshinny. The local community has had its difficulties with it but recognise the reality and are learning to live with it although they have been disappointed by Bord Gáis and the assurances given. This Adjournment debate arises from the fact that £50 million is to be spent by Bord Gáis on increasing the capacity of that gas pipleline by 70 per cent. Where does this plan fit into our overall obligations under the Kyoto Convention and derogations which we have secured relating to greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for renewable energy and energy conservation here? It seems we have exceeded our target in relation to Kyoto. People including the intergovernmental panel on climate change would say the target was too low. We are getting away with a considerable amount of irresponsibility in the eyes of many. The question for the community in north Dublin, in Fingal, is whether we should allow another pipeline to enter at this or any other point into Ireland without putting in place the necessary energy conservation measures, assisting groups such as Energy Action, which is basically a charity, which insulates the homes of many elderly people. The Minister of State is aware of this as I have met him at functions organised by Energy Action. Have we a responsibility to realise the potential for renewable energy before giving in to the temptation for added fossil fuel consumption. Gas is benign compared to turf or coal but nevertheless it is a finite resource and it contributes to the problems of climate change. At what stage are the consultations? Will the Loughshinny and Rush communities be consulted in advance of any decision as they will bear the brunt of any disturbance which occurs as a result of engineering work in the area if the pipeline is to proceed?
Adjournment Debate. - Gas Pipeline.
I thank Deputy Sargent for raising this urgent matter. The Deputy's sentiments on this issue are not too far from mine. The Government is committed to ensuring Ireland's energy sector can contribute positively to future economic growth and development. This demands that, in energy policy, an appropriate balance be struck between ensuring energy price competitiveness, security of supply and environmentally sustainable energy production.
The production of electricity through combined cycle gas turbines is recognised as the most efficient power generation technology. Natural gas is, of course, also by far the least offensive fossil fuel in terms of environmentally harmful emissions which must now be limited to ensure we meet our international obligations arising from the United Nations Convention on Climate Change.
I am, therefore, in support of an increased role for natural gas in the overall energy sector. I am well aware of the Deputy's concerns about environmental sustainability in energy policy and his support for the development of renewable energy. I also have progressive views in this area and can assure the Deputy that there is ample room for renewable energy alongside natural gas in meeting our future energy needs.
Currently there are two sources of natural gas, namely the Kinsale Head gas field and the interconnector pipeline between Scotland and Dublin. As the Deputy will be aware, the Kinsale field is now approaching exhaustion although there are encouraging prospects of at least one new indigenous source of natural gas off the west coast. On the other hand, the demand for natural gas is growing at a substantial rate and this trend will continue, particularly having regard to the anticipated demand for natural gas for power generation as the electricity market is opened up to competitive supply.
It is of paramount importance that an adequate supply of gas is available to meet growing demand. A study of natural gas demand and related infrastructural options to the year 2025 is being conducted by Bord Gáis and my Department and is already well advanced. A high priority continues to be given to the study.
The current capacity of the gas interconnector between Scotland and Ireland is between 9 and 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. This will provide adequate capacity to meet forecast gas demand to 2004. However, the study shows that by 2005 daily peak demand for gas for domestic, industrial and other purposes will have increased to between 17.1 and 25.1 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 time to ensure there are no supply restrictions.
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 optimum option. That option is being considered by Bord Gáis and my Department against the background of a possible commercial gas discovery in the Corrib field off the west coast, a proposal for a North-South gas 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. I have received notification from one company about a new interconnector.
It is important that I set out clearly the scope of my legal powers in this matter. Section 40 of the Gas Act, 1976, provides that a person, other than Bord Gáis, shall not construct a natural gas pipeline without giving previous and reasonable notice to me, as Minister. I am then empowered to impose requirements on the manner in which the pipeline is constructed or operated. The requirements which may be imposed are directly analogous to those which may be imposed on Bord Gáis under the Gas Act, 1976, in relation to the construction, operation and maintenance of pipelines. I am not, therefore, empowered, in so far as market regulation is concerned, to consider the question of whether the construction of a new pipeline between Britain and Ireland by a person other than Bord Gáis should be allowed.