Vol. 572 No. 6
254 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a copy of the map of the route of the proposed Corrib gas pipeline referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 7 October 2003 can be supplied. [24035/03]
A copy of the map of the route of the proposed Corrib gas pipeline has been forwarded to the Deputy at his Dáil office.
255 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the report made by Enterprise Energy Ireland Limited on the route of the proposed Corrib gas pipeline as referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 7 October 2003 can be provided. [24036/03]
While Enterprise Energy Ireland Limited (EEIL) examined the proposed pipeline route after the landslide they did not provide me with a report on the matter but rather advised me that the only area affected by the increased run-off and water was a land drain close to the location where the pipeline crosses the estuary.
As outlined to you in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 7 October 2003 this drain had already been identified by EEIL during the pipeline design stage. Measures to ensure any flooding of this drain would not affect the pipeline had been incorporated in the proposed construction programme
256 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the fact that the landfill for the proposed Corrib gas pipeline is situated on the south side of Sruwadacon Bay and continues parallel to the area affected by the recent landslide for some distance before crossing to the north of the bay, and that the landslide would in fact have impacted upon the route had the pipeline gone ahead. [24037/03]
Since issues relating to the landslides in County Mayo are not matters for which I have responsibility, I do not have details of the areas affected by it. However, I am advised by Enterprise Energy Ireland Limited that the pipeline route from the landfall in Dooncarton and Glenagad is approximately 500 m from the toe of the slope of Barnacuille Hill. The pipeline route is located in the floodplain of the Glenamoy river and is unaffected by any potential instability on the slopes of Barnacuille Hill. In any case the pipeline itself will be buried in the ground along the full length of the route.
257 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the trial excavation along the route of the proposed Corrib gas pipeline that was conducted by Enterprise Energy Ireland in 2002 was not carried out prior to the grant of approval for the plan of development of the Corrib field. [24038/03]
Enterprise Energy Ireland Limited carried out a trial excavation along the proposed route of the Corrib gas pipeline in order to be satisfied that the route would be suitable for pipeline laying. Such information would be required to be outlined in their application to me for plan of development approval and consent to construct the pipeline.
258 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a vessel (details supplied) is sailing without valid certificates of competency for the engineering staff; and if so, the reason therefor. [24116/03]
While I have no direct function in this matter, the maritime safety directorate of my Department has been informed by the Marine Institute that all engineering crew on the vessel concerned, Celtic Explorer, are sailing with appropriate national and international authorisation, including relevant certification approved by the marine survey office of the directorate.
