Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2004
153 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the financing and construction arrangements for the design and construction of the addition of the proposed Bellanaboy gas pipeline to the national gas pipeline network. [16680/04]
View answer156 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the body which is funding the construction of the pipeline which will connect the proposed gas terminal at Bellanaboy to the existing national grid. [16683/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 156 together.
The question of the construction and design of the proposed Mayo-Galway pipeline is in the first instance a commercial matter for the Corrib partners and gas infrastructure providers and is contingent on the Corrib partners obtaining planning permission for the on-shore gas terminal at Bellanaboy. While the Corrib partners reached agreement with Bord Gais Éireann in 2000 with regard to the construction of pipeline, no progress was made due to planning issues concerning the gas terminal.
In the event of Bord Gais Éireann carrying out the construction, the capital expenditure involved would have to be approved by me subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance. Apart from that, I have no function in this matter.
