Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

The study involves a critical examination of all relevant documentation relating to the design, construction and operation of the pipeline and associated facilities. Advantica has been asked to conclude whether in its opinion the proposed installations have been or will be designed, constructed, installed and operated to appropriate standards and to identify deficiencies, if any, regarding the safety aspects of the proposed Corrib gas onshore pipeline and to make recommendations as to how these can be remedied.

The Minister has been conscious that people who have views relating to the safety of the pipeline should have the opportunity to have those views considered by Advantica. Views have been invited from local residents, communities and any interested parties. Advantica has visited the Corrib site as part of its work and a two-day public hearing, chaired by John Gallagher SC, was held in Mayo last month. I understand the Minister intends to publish the draft safety review shortly. In addition to the safety review, a new strengthened project monitoring procedure has been put in place to ensure the developer complies with all legal consents issues.

Extra personnel have been assigned to the petroleum affairs division of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and a new technical advisory group, independent of the petroleum affairs division, has been established to advise, monitor and verify works being carried out on this project. Authorised officers are empowered to inspect works on a regular and on-the-spot basis. These revised monitoring arrangements have been included in the terms of the most recent consent issued to the developers. The Minister also recognises the necessity to spell out more clearly the safety regime, which will be in place before the first gas flows through the pipelines from the Corrib field.

It is his intention, as outlined in the House recently, that a clear regime for the operation and maintenance of the pipeline will be in place. This will be an open and transparent system which will ensure that the highest standards of safety will apply. Obviously, if Advantica makes any recommendations on these issues in its final report the Minister will take them fully into account in the preparation of the final consents.

The Corrib gas field is a major infrastructural project, which has the potential to play a significant role in the economic and social regeneration of County Mayo and the north-west region. It will facilitate the improvement of the region's infrastructure and increase local employment, in both the short and long terms. The development will also increase Ireland's security of supply by providing a reliable, secure and indigenous source of gas.

Notwithstanding the potential benefits, it is crucial that the project proceeds having regard to the views of all the interested parties. The mediation process has a vital part to play in this. Copies of the report published by the Centre for Public Inquiry have been forwarded to the consultants. The Centre for Public Inquiry will be in a position to comment on the findings made therein at a presentation to be held at the beginning of December. The mediator, Mr. Peter Cassells, will chair this presentation and the consultants from Advantica will also be present.

I assure the House that the resolution of issues surrounding the Corrib project has been a priority for the Minister. I share his hope that the mediation process under way, augmented as needed by the results of the safety review, will allow all those concerned to work together to resolve the difficulties that have arisen on this very important gas project.

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