Bord Gáis Éireann has applied for consent to build a second gas interconnector from Scotland but has yet to furnish the necessary detailed supporting material. I am aware that in Northern Ireland three separate proposers are working on a North-South gas project and there is a further one proposed for east-west. One of these three, Premier Transmission Limited, has just announced that, following an open season process on its proposed Belfast-Dublin pipeline, it is proceeding with the next phase of the project involving preliminary engineering and environmental work on the route. The development potential of the Corrib field is also highly relevant to the question of additional gas capacity.
My primary interest is in seeing that the next increment of gas capacity is put in place in time to meet market demand. For the long-term, I also want to ensure gas supply is as competitive as possible. Consultants are advising me on an economically efficient approach to pipeline authorisation for a liberalised market and on gas transmission tariffs. I expect their final report shortly which I intend to publish. This report and the decisions made on foot of it will greatly clarify the context of decisions about major pipeline projects. I intend to take this matter forward without unreasonable delay and it is very necessary that I do so.
As to the specific question, if it can be assumed that the Corrib field is commercial and will be developed, it is unlikely that two further projects will proceed in a similar timeframe. I would prefer that, as far as possible, market mechanisms will determine which projects will proceed and when, once the policy background has been clarified.