Vol. 551 No. 2
78 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when he will make a decision on the plan of development in respect of the petroleum leases issued by him for the Corrib Field on 15 November 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9914/02]
124 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress with development of the Corrib Field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10130/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 124 together.
No development has yet commenced in the Corrib gas field and the developer cannot proceed until certain approvals are obtained in respect of the development.
In so far as approvals sought from my Department are concerned, these are still under consideration. I hope to be in a position to make a determination in relation to these in the coming weeks. The following are the criteria for approval: plan of development approval, accompanied by an environmental impact statement; approval for consent to construct a gas pipeline under section 40 of the Gas Act, 1976, as amended; consent under section 5 of the Continental Shelf Act, 1968, to do certain works in a designated area of the continental shelf; compulsory acquisition orders, under section 32 of the Gas Act, 1976, as amended for rights over certain lands in connection with the laying of the onshore part of the gas pipeline; foreshore licence under the Foreshore Act, 1933, as amended.
