Vol. 541 No. 5
188 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if Mayo County Council was asked to contact his Department before a decision was made in relation to the planning application for the gas terminal facility in north Mayo; if the council made contact; and the role the Department has in seeking wayleave from land owners in relation to the laying of this pipeline. [23386/01]
Given the pivotal role the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources has in relation to the Corrib field development, it was anxious to be kept informed of any approvals being issued by other State agencies concerning the development and, therefore, asked Mayo County Council to be informed of any approval being given by it. In the event, Mayo County Council did not make contact with my Department in regard to its decision in relation to the application.
My Department has the following role in relation to seeking wayleaves from land owners for the laying of an onshore pipeline where an application is made to the Minister by the developers of the Corrib field for the compulsory acquisition of wayleaves. There are two legal mechanisms under which compulsory acquisition of wayleaves can be obtained, that is, section 23 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960 and section 32 of the Gas Act, 1976, the functions of which in relation to upstream pipelines fall within my remit.
Under section 23 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, I can compulsorily acquire land and ancillary rights, including wayleaves, either permanently or temporarily. Upon the grant of a petroleum lease by me or at any time during the term of the lease, I can grant the lessee a permit to use any land or any ancillary rights acquired by me. Under section 32 of the Gas Act, 1976, the developer of the Corrib field may apply to me for an order to acquire compulsorily any ancillary right over land. In the event of an acquisition order being made by me it will be subject to such restrictions and other terms and conditions, if any, as specified by me. The order shall vest in the developers the interest specified in the order in such land.
