Michael Ring
Ceist:76 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide two copies of the latest environmental impact study in regard to the Corrib gas find in north Mayo. [31428/01]
Written Answers. - Offshore Exploration.
Michael Ring
Ceist:77 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether investments by persons (details supplied) are worthless in the context of the Corrib gas field development. [31461/01]
Michael Ring
Ceist:78 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he confirmed to an association (details supplied) that he would not accept a revised environmental impact prepared by Enterprise Energy Ireland, if it did not address and take into consideration the requirements of the association regarding the Corrib natural gas field development. [31462/01]
Michael Ring
Ceist:80 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the funds which are available to have a baseline study carried out in the north Mayo region; and if funds are available to have an independent assessment carried out of the revised offshore environmental impact statement. [31500/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 to 78, inclusive, and 80 together.
The environmental impact statement, EIS, submitted to me by Enterprise Energy Ireland was put into the public domain by the company for consideration by interested parties who have until 27 December to make submissions or observations to me. Any submissions or observations received within the period will be referred to the company for comment. Copies of the EIS can be obtained directly from the company.
The EIS, together with any submission or observations referred to and the company's comment thereon, will be fully and independently examined by the marine licence vetting committee with the assistance of independent consultants. That committee will report to me in due course to allow me to make a decision and its report will be published. There are no funds at my disposal for disbursement to local representative groups to assess the EIS.
Until that examination has been completed, I am not in a position to take a view on whether or not the EIS is acceptable on the likely effects of the project on investment by fishermen or other persons in the area.