Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2005
115 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has carried out any research on the development of either large scale LNG or natural gas storage facilities within the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19925/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question of liquefied natural gas, LNG, facilities and major gas storage facilities are matters for the market players in the first instance. I would very much welcome private sector investment in these areas. My Department has not undertaken any research in respect of the development of such facilities. I am of course aware that LNG facilities would give us access to gas from geographic areas not otherwise accessible to us, which is of interest in the context of security of supply.
In the context of the all-island energy market development framework, as part of the strategic goals enunciated, scope for a common approach on storage and liquefied natural gas within a timeframe of 2005 to 2007 has been identified.
Work is progressing in bilateral discussions in both jurisdictions involving the Departments and regulatory authorities on this matter. I am also aware that the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, is in discussion with Marathon Oil Ireland Limited about the development of natural gas storage facilities at south-west Kinsale.
The CER will commence a public consultation on licence conditions for the storage facility shortly. It is planned that the storage facility will be operational from March 2006.
