Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Natural Gas Grid.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

304 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the policy of her Department with regard to considering the location of a gas pipeline connection in the west of Ireland in view of the fact that a terminal is proposed to be built about 500 metres from the village of Bellanboy; and if she will address the genuine concerns of local residents to ensure public safety and quality of life in this situation particularly as the pipeline is adjacent to Carrowmore Lake which is used as the main reservoir for a large area of population including a regional hospital. [1820/01]

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

I have no function in relation to approving gas terminals. Also, my statutory role in relation to pipeline approval only commences when I have a fully documented proposal which is not the case at present.

In compliance with EC (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1999, and the technical guidelines for the construction of gas pipelines operated by my Department, all prospective applicants are required to carry out either an environmental impact statement or environmental appraisal report depending on the size of pipeline in support of their applications. A detailed engineering report is also required in respect of proposed large transmission pipelines.

These reports provide details of route selections, pipeline design and protection systems, together with details of how the pipeline will be constructed and how different terrains and environments will be dealt with. Details of land, river and landfill restoration as well as a description of the existing environment and mitigation measures to be adopted are also dealt with.

Environmental impact statements and appraisal reports are independently assessed on my behalf in line with both EU and domestic legislation to establish that required criteria are met as part of the pipeline application process. During and subsequent to construction there are also periodic inspections by my advisers in liaison with the inspection scheme which is required to be established by the applicant as a condition of consent.