Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 397: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if Shell's 345 bar Rossport pipeline runs alongside the public road over significant portions of its length contrary to NSAI standards which require a distance of 70 metres from areas in which people reside. [10244/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I am unaware of any requirement in a NSAI standard to have a minimum distance of 70 metres from gas pipelines to any road. The Corrib gas pipeline was designed to standard BS 8010-2.8.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his consent for the Rossport section of the pipeline was founded on both the risk assessment QRA and expert's report which are not subject to fundamental review by order of him; if the consent itself is invalid and the contingent compulsory acquisition orders null and void. [10245/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The consent to construct the Corrib gas pipeline given by my predecessor was based on my Department's assessment, inter alia, of the design codes proposed by the developers for the construction of the pipeline. In this context, my Department commissioned an independent pipeline expert to evaluate the onshore pipeline design code. The study addressed design methodology, operating conditions, pipeline corrosion, public safety, welding and testing, pipeline material quality and protection from interference. The recommendations of this evaluation indicated that the design code has been selected in accordance with best public safety considerations, and is appropriate for the pipeline operating conditions, and subject to the developers undertaking to comply with a number of conditions laid down in the then Minister's approval and consents the design is generally in accordance with best national and international industry practice and the pipeline is considered to meet public safety requirements.

In addition, a quantified risk assessment was undertaken by the developers on the onshore section of the pipeline, which included a detailed analysis of the risk of damage to the pipeline and consequences of any such damage. The content of the QRA report was taken account of in the evaluation of onshore pipeline design code carried out by an independent expert. The conclusions and recommendations of the evaluation of onshore pipeline design code report were taken into consideration in the decision making process for the granting of consent to construct the pipeline.

There is no justification to revisit the consents to construct a pipeline granted by my predecessor on 15 April 2002, which is extant.

I am satisfied also that the compulsory acquisition orders remain valid. I refer the Deputy to Question No. 94 of Thursday, 10 March 2005.