Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The matters raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Bord Gáis Éireann, BGE. The company operates in accordance with the safety framework established by the CER, which has statutory responsibility for gas safety. In addition, in accordance with section 39A of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, the CER has responsibility for the assessment of applications to construct transmission pipelines. I have no function in these operational matters. BGE owns and operates the national transmission and distribution gas network. BGE and the CER have advised that all transmission pipelines, including those in residential areas, are designed, constructed, tested, operated and maintained in accordance with Irish Standard 328:2003, the code of practice for gas transmission pipelines and pipeline installations.

I understand that pipelines in suburban and urban areas are constructed using high grade steel pipe and are laid with a minimum depth of cover of 1.2 m throughout. In some circumstances and over short sections, where existing major services are located and cannot be moved, it may not be possible to meet this depth of cover. In these cases, additional pipeline protection measures, such as concrete impact protection, are put in place in accordance with Irish Standard 328:2003. Once commissioned, a scheduled routine maintenance and inspection programme is applied to all pipelines. Urban streets often contain numerous different utilities in close proximity to each other, including gas, electricity, telecommunications, drainage and water. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 place the responsibility for identification and avoidance of existing infrastructure on the party carrying out the works. BGE, in carrying out pipeline projects, always seeks to minimise the impact of the construction works on the existing infrastructure along the route.

I understand the Deputy is referring to the Santry to East Wall gas pipeline. In regard to that pipeline, the consent of the CER to BGE’s undertaking of these works was informed by the advice of consultants engaged by the CER.

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