Gas Pipeline Project.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004

Thursday, 8 July 2004

Ceisteanna (207, 208)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

201 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the fact that the international design codes being used in the proposed onshore pipeline leading to a gas terminal building in Bellanaboy, County Mayo terminal do not cater for threats to ground stability for such a pipeline in view of the statement, in the evironmental impact assessment, that the recent bog slides that occurred in the same area are unique to Ireland. [21093/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

There are no international design codes that deal with gas pipelines in peat bogs. The developers have used a well recognised international design code for the pipeline. In addition the developers have carried out excavation in peat bogs and pipeline installations and using that information and have come up with the proposed pipeline design. The pipeline route selected by the developers has no evidence of instability.

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

202 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proximity which the bog slides that occurred in the land surrounding Stuwaddaccon Bay in County Mayo in 2003 were to the proposed onshore gas pipeline leading from the Corrib gas field to the proposed onshore pipeline at Bellanaboy. [21094/04]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The proposed pipeline route from the landfall in Dooncarton and Glengad is approximately 500m from the toe of the slope of Barnacuille Hill. The proposed pipeline route is located in the floodplain of the Glenamoy River and will be unaffected by any potential instability on the slopes of Barnachuille Hill at Pollathomas The onshore pipeline itself will be buried in the ground to a minimum depth of 1.2m along the full length of the route. A map showing the proposed route of the pipeline is attached. The map is for illustrative purposes only.