Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2004
210 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the analysis that has been presented by the developers of the Corrib gas field with regard to the conditions set out by the Minister, Deputy Fahey, in a letter of 15 April 2002 requiring further analysis to be carried out before consent could be given for the onshore pipeline. [20730/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra211 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which the petroleum affairs division in his Department intends to address concerns that have been raised regarding the safety of the construction of the Corrib gas field onshore pipeline in deep peat soil. [20731/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.
I understand that Mayo County Council has raised the issue of the construction of the Corrib gas field onshore pipeline in deep peat soil with the developers in the context of their planning application for the onshore terminal at Bellanaboy Bridge. I can inform the Deputy that up to now only a very small element of the proposed pipeline work has been commenced. No work has been completed, with the exception of some pipeline route exploration work, in relation to the onshore pipeline.
To date, approval to undertake pipeline works on the Corrib gas field development specifically for phase 1, nearshore trench construction, phase 2, landfall and, part of phase 3, onshore pipeline construction, has been issued to the developers. When the final application to install the onshore pipeline for phase 3 is received, the issue of deep peat soil will be examined along with all other matters such as design, trench depth and compliance with conditions attaching to pipeline consent of 15 April 2002.
The Deputy will no doubt be aware that my Department commissioned an evaluation of the onshore pipeline design code. The report indicated that the design code has been selected in accordance with best public safety considerations and is appropriate for the pipeline operating conditions and subject to the developers undertaking to comply with a number of conditions incorporated in the consent to construct. The pipeline design is generally in accordance with best national and international industry practice and is considered to meet public safety requirements.
