Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 11, 47 and 66 together.

The Corrib gas project is an infrastructural development of major national importance. The developers of the field have completed the majority of the sub-sea construction work to prepare the Corrib field for production of gas. Construction work has begun on the terminal.

Last month, consultants engaged by the developers of the Corrib gas field announced a short list of three indicative route corridor options. This followed a recommendation made by the mediator, Mr. Peter Cassells, to modify the route of the pipeline in the vicinity of Rossport to address community concerns regarding proximity to housing which was accepted by the developers. These three corridor options will now be subject to further environmental and technical studies in parallel with community and landowner consultation as well as consultation with relevant statutory agencies.

Once a preferred route is selected it will be necessary for the developers to make an application to me under the Gas Act for consent to construct the pipeline. In addition, consent from An Bord Pleanála will be required under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act. It would not be appropriate for me, having regard to my regulatory role, to express a preference for any particular pipeline route for the Corrib gas project.

Since my appointment as Minister I have met a wide range of stakeholders involved in the project, including the developers, individuals who are interested in the project and people from the local community. As the project advances I am open to continuing my engagement with representatives of the local community and others on matters relating to my regulatory role.

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