Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fuel Pipeline Operations.

Richard Bruton

Question:

45 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no public body which will undertake to license or to supervise the operation of fuel pipelines running through residential areas which is in contrast to the situation in the UK; and the plans she has to address this gap in public protection. [20972/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

The Deputy is aware that pipelines falling within the ambit of my Department's responsibilities relate to natural gas and that I have no function in relation to oil pipelines.

Under the provisions of the Gas Acts at present, anybody wishing to construct or operate a natural gas pipeline in Ireland must apply to me for consent to do so. The Gas Acts allow me to attach conditions relating to specified codes and standards of safety or efficiency to any consent to construct, operate or maintain a pipeline.

The gas technical standards committee set up by my Department in 1981 advises the National Standards Authority of Ireland on what Irish standards and codes of practice are necessary for products and processes used in the gas industry, with particular regard to safety. The standards cover all aspects of the supply and usage of natu ral gas. Adherence to these standards and codes would be among the conditions which would be attached to any consent given to construct or operate a natural gas pipeline.

In addition, under the provisions of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, I have appointed an authorised officer to carry out certain functions including the inspection of energy infrastructures. This provision enables me, through the appointment of an authorised officer, to oversee energy operations that are capable of being a source of risk to the public or the environment and to ensure that they are conducted in conformity with good industry practice and in accordance with statutory requirements. I believe that these arrangements afford a high degree of importance to safety in the treatment of gas pipelines.

Question No. 46 taken with Question No. 14.

Question No. 47 taken with Question No. 18.