Richard Bruton
Question:92 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, she has to implement aspects of the EU gas directive in the Gas (Amendment) Bill; and, if so, if she will give details in this regard. [9053/00]
Written Answers. - EU Directives.
I intend to take the opportunity provided by the proposed Gas (Amendment) Bill, 2000, to rectify anomalies that exist in current legislation in relation to the construction of natural gas pipelines.
Persons other than Bord Gáis Éireann may construct and operate natural gas pipelines. A number of private companies have expressed an interest in providing this type of infrastructure. However, under current legislation, these developers do not enjoy the same rights as Bord Gáis Éireann in so far as access to, and acquisition of, land is concerned.
My intention is to ensure that, in relation to the construction of pipelines, the same rights and responsibilities will apply to all developers in keeping with the principle of non-discrimination set out in the EU gas directive.