Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2015
574. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available to the national grid; the economic benefit that will accrue in the short and medium terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39595/15]
View answerFollowing completion of the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline, Shell E&P Ireland Limited, on behalf of the Corrib Gas partners, submitted an application on 18 August, 2015, under Section 40 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, for consent to operate the pipeline. This consent is required by the developer before production of gas can commence.
A public consultation process in relation to the application was initiated on 25 August and closed on 25 September. 11 submissions were received and these are currently being considered as part of the application which will inform the evaluation and decision process.
As previously advised, I understand that the bulk of the gas produced from the Corrib field will be supplied to the national grid via the 149 km pipeline constructed by Bord Gáis Networks, which runs from the gas terminal in Bellanaboy, Co. Mayo to Ballymoneen outside of Galway. The economic benefits of the Corrib gas field include the direct return to the Exchequer, the significant economic activity generated from the development stage of the project together with a strengthening of Ireland’s security of energy supply. It is estimated that Corrib will have an operating life span of between 15 to 20 years and gas production will on average meet 42% of all island gas demand over the first two years of operation, declining thereafter.
