Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Offshore Exploration.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

99 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the nature of the clarification sought by the EU Commission over aspects of the offshore licence granted to Enterprise Energy Ireland for the development of the Corrib gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22341/02]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

I should point out to the Deputy that I have issued one authorisation under the Department's Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development 1992 and the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, namely, a petroleum lease in respect of the leasehold area of the Corrib gas field. The second authorisation which I issued was a foreshore licence under the Foreshore Act, 1933, as amended, giving the lessees authorisation to route the pipeline through the foreshore area.

The EU Commission has written to Ireland seeking certain information and clarification on certain environmental issues relating to the Corrib gas field, and on procedural matters relating to the development consents granted for the project. This inquiry arose from complaints made to them by a number of objectors, including An Taisce, to the development of the field. The EU inquiry made no reference to the petroleum lease.

An appeal to An Bord Pleanála concerning the proposed terminal at Bellanaboy, County Mayo will commence on the 25th of this month. In this context Ireland has forwarded an interim response to the EU stating that a full reply will not issue until An Bord Pleanála has made a determination.