asked the Minister for Energy the results of the most recent survey of the Dublin Gas network; and in particular (i) the percentage of gas being lost from the system and (ii) the number and classification of accidental leaks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Gas Network.
13.
Dublin Gas have carried out two complete surveys of the mains network, the first in late 1987 and the second in early 1988. A third survey which commenced in September 1988 is nearing completion. Since mid-1987 apartment blocks have been surveyed eight times. The ninth such survey is currently under way.
The scope of the most recent surveys has been broadened from that of the earlier ones. The results of the latest surveys indicate an increase in the number of leaks being detected as compared with the numbers detected in earlier surveys. I am informed by Dublin Gas that this is due in part to tighter technical procedures, experience and to the increased level of quality control being applied to these surveys. Variations in the results are to be expected from time to time and give no immediate cause for concern. I can assure the Deputy that I am keeping a close watch on the results and that there will be no diminution in the level of monitoring being carried out by officials of my Department. The frequency of these surveys is in excess of the requirements of all of the safety reports and will continue so.
The other principal means of measuring the improvements in the safety of the Dublin Gas network is the level of gas lost from the system and the numbers of publicly reported escapes. In 1988 gas lost from the Dublin Gas network was under 4 million therms or approximately 4 per cent of gas issued. At present, the level of lost gas in Dublin compares very favourably with the levels encountered in the best run European gas utilities. This also means that the task force requirement of reducing lost gas to 2,000 therms per kilometre of main per year has already been comfortably achieved.
The number of publicly reported escapes (PRE's) in Dublin has continued to decline steadily. Typically, these publicly reported escapes are averaging 300-350 per week, about one-third the early 1987 level. The current level of PREs is equivalent to less than 7 PREs per kilometre of main per year, which is lower than the task force target of 8.
I compliment Bord Gáis Éireann on the progress they are making in this area. Can the Minister give the House an assurance that the high level of monitoring which is going on will continue at the present level until we can be absolutely satisfied that a lower rate of survey can be allowed?
I can assure the Deputy with regard to safety standards that any monitoring, any surveying that is required will meet not only the best standards — as far as comparison with the EC level is concerned — but the optimum possible. In relation to safety, people can be assured of a safe network, which is paramount. As the Deputy has acknowledged, Bord Gáis Éireann have not only met but have exceeded the expectations of the task force in this regard on all fronts and are to be highly complimented on their capacity to deliver on a fairly tough assignment. There will be no relenting and no going back from carrying this through to the ultimate degree of safety and assurance to the public.
Is the Minister satisfied with the quality of the surveys being carried out? I understood him to say in reply to the question that the most recent surveys had indicated that there was actually an increase in gas leaks. I further understood him to say that that was attributed to improved methods of detecting gas leaks. While it is comfortable to note from the Minister's reply that the task force's targets have been achieved in relation to gas leaks, I would like an assurance that he is happy with the quality and the way in which these surveys are carried out.
I think it is always a bit strong to say that one is happy because there are always areas which require constant and dedicated attention. On the basis of my discussions with Bord Gáis Éireann, I am satisfied that an all-out effort, begun a couple of years ago, has been maintained and is now being strengthened by new technical measures of detection. From a purely commercial point of view, whatever the rate of escape, it is costly. If there is a better technical way of detecting that leak it is not only in the safety interest but in the commercial interest of Bord Gáis Éireann to detect it more quickly when it requires less treatment to change and to make it safe. All in all, I can assure the Deputy that I am quite satisfied. That will not, of course, change my determination to make sure that we have ongoing discussions and that every effort is made to use the most up-to-date technical knowledge in order to improve still further.