asked the Minister for Energy if he will investigate, as a matter of urgency, Dublin Gas pipeline network; and if he will make a statement on the public safety aspects of this situation.
57.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Gas Network.
44.
asked the Minister for Energy if he has satisfied himself that the underground gas pipe networks in our cities and towns comply with all internationally recognised safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 57 together.
The gas distribution networks were installed over many years in compliance with the standards pertaining from time to time. The combination of deterioration due to passage of time, a large increase in the weight and amount of traffic and the changeover to natural gas inevitably gave rise to some problems with pipes. As is evident from the excavations in Dublin, Dublin Gas Company are carrying out repairs and replacements. There is no question of wholesale replacement being required.
The Cremer and Warner report recommended that all gas companies should undertake a leak survey and inspection of gas services of all multi-storey buildings within their area, which are either supplied with gas, or located in the immediate vicinity of gas mains. The results of these surveys will be reported to the Government Task Force on Buildings. The recommendations in the report which refer specifically to the Dublin Gas Company are being closely monitored by my Department and particular attention is being given to leak investigation procedures. In the meantime, I can assure the House that all new pipe installations comply fully with current Irish standards. These standards are well in line with international standards.
A study into the Dublin Gas network is currently being undertaken by the VEG-Gas Institute in order to determine what long term replacement policy is needed to continue the safe distribution of gas. Bord Gáis Éireann will similarly be reviewing the requirements of the networks in other areas.
I understand that a Dutch consultancy company are at present investigating the gas pipe network in Dublin. The Minister referred to the fact that most of the network is old as it is mainly cast iron piping which has become brittle. There is a great public concern in regard to so many leaks occurring and the fact that there have been explosions at Raglan House, Rialto House and in Nicholas Street. Can the Minister say when the Dutch consultancy company will issue a report? Given the urgency of the matter, will the Minister seek an interim report in case the full report is delayed?
I expect to have the report in June from the Dutch consultants. They have completed preliminary investigations and are now proceeding with a more detailed assessment and investigation.
A disturbing feature of these leaks is that many of them take place under footpaths where there is no axial loading, further evidence that the pipe work is deteriorating, which could cause serious problems throughout the whole network. The Minister said that natural gas is causing a problem with the old pipes in that it is a drier, lighter gas than manufactured town gas which is more moist and less leak-prone than natural gas. Is there any evidence to suggest that natural gas is more leak-prone in the old system by comparison with systems elsewhere which have been converted from town gas to natural gas?
In relation to the question of the safety aspects of the gas network in Dublin, the Government were so concerned about this issue that they gave immediate instructions to An Bord Gáis to proceed with the completion of the takeover of Dublin Gas, to get it out of receivership and to put it under proper management because of the health and safety aspects which arose when Dublin Gas were in receivership. The question of natural gas having a damaging and corrosive effect on pipes does not arise according to the best technical advice I have received. Some joints will have to be replaced but this is not a major problem and it can be done on a phased basis.
Has the price which An Bord Gáis will pay for Dublin Gas been discounted to take cognisance of the serious problems which exist in regard to the pipe network and the great expenditure which will probably be involved in repairing it?
I will be bringing enabling legislation before the House in relation to the takeover of Dublin Gas by An Bord Gáis. I can assure the Deputy that the price which is involved is the price the banks have been given letters of comfort on. What they will be getting is mainly the value of the letters of comfort which were given by the previous administration.