Vol. 409 No. 1
77 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Energy whether he is concerned at the amount of leaks and necessary repairs to gas pipelines due to the formulae of new Dublin Gas; and if he has satisfied himself that adequate measures are being taken to avoid any serious accidents occuring.
Bord Gáis, since it took over the assets of Dublin Gas in November 1987, has made consistent and steady progress on all safety fronts, and there has not been any major incident in that time. In 1987, four major reviews were initiated by Government into the safety of the Dublin Gas networks. All the recommendations of these reviews have been implemented by the board.
The number of publicly reported escapes is now below the level recommended in the 1987 reviews, and there has been a marked reduction in lost gas to well below the long-term target.
My Department keep the board's progress on safety related matters under ongoing review, and I am satisfied that their efforts to date have greatly reduced the risk of any serious incident.
I might add that Bord Gáis recently commissioned an audit by internationally respected consultants of its safety practices. The final report indicated general satisfaction that the safety related policies, systems and practices in Bord Gáis conform to the best international standards.
