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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Corrib Gas Field.

Enda Kenny

Question:

315 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will give consideration to the hosting of a public seminar in north Mayo to allow for the agencies involved to outline clearly their policy and intent in respect of proposals to develop the Corrib gas field; if such a seminar should hear views from local residents, fishing interests, the Department of Public Enterprise, Mayo County Council, the North Western Fishery Board, the Environmental Protection Agency, Enterprise Oil and any other relevant body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2300/01]

My Department has participated in a number of public fora concerning the provision of new gas supply and infrastructure to the west and north-west, including a meeting of the BMW regional assembly in July last where gas policy was discussed with particular reference to the Corrib gas field.

In addition, my officials attended a meeting convened by the Council for the West Action Group on 18 October 2000. The North West Action Group was represented at that meeting and was advised by my officials of my commitment to developing policies for the natural gas market on a consultative basis. As a result of the public consultations and representations I have received from various interested parties I am very aware of the needs of the north-western region.
In the context of its pipeline plans for the west, BGE also made a presentation to the Council for the West Action Group in which it outlined its commitment to providing natural gasvia the Corrib field to towns previously unserviced. I understand that BGE, as a follow up to the consultation process, is currently reviewing, as part of a national study specific towns that may be supplied with gas on an economic basis. BGE has engaged DKM Economic Consultants to assist them in this and will have a report in the very near future. I am open to further contact from this office as matters develop.
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