Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 121: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he envisages any changes in regard to the bringing ashore or storage in respect of the Corrib gas field; if he expects that the surrounding regions are likely to receive an extended or improved service in respect of gas supplies to the industrial or domestic sector in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34500/05]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 132: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date in 2005 on the issues surrounding the Corrib gas pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34497/05]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 149: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the consequences of the EU Seveso directive for the Corrib gas pipeline; if the transposition of this directive will require the production of maps and images; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34369/05]

Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 178: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of the appointment of Mr. Peter Cassells as the mediator for the Corrib gas pipeline dispute; the state of play with the Corrib gas pipeline development especially relating to the safety audit and mediation; when an agreed resolution will allow the project to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34343/05]

Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 182: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress in respect of the degree to which the mediator has been successful in dealing with the issues surrounding the Corrib gas pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34499/05]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 194: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had discussions with the company or companies involved in the provision of services associated with the Corrib gas pipeline or local interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34498/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 263: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date on the issues surrounding the Corrib gas pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34668/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 264: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has had recent discussions with the company or companies involved in the provision of services associated with the Corrib gas pipeline or local interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34669/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 265: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress in respect of the degree to which the mediator has been successful in dealing with the issues surrounding the Corrib gas pipeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34670/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 266: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he envisages any changes in regard to the bringing ashore or storage in respect of the Corrib gas field; if he expects that the surrounding regions are likely to receive an extended or improved service in respect of gas supplies to the industrial or domestic sector in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34671/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 301: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on progress in respect of the issues associated with the Corrib gas pipeline; when the mediator expects to achieve resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34948/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 132, 149, 178, 182, 194, 263, 264, 265, 266 and 301 together.

In August 2005 I appointed Advantica consultants to conduct a comprehensive health and safety review of the proposed Corrib gas onshore pipeline. This study currently under way is in addition to the comprehensive assessment undertaken both within the Department and by an independent pipeline consultant of the original proposals that were submitted to my predecessor in connection with the application for consent to construct a pipeline. The current review includes an examination of all relevant documentation relating to the design, construction and operation of the onshore upstream section of the pipeline and associated facilities. It will also identify any deficiencies in any respect relating to these matters and make recommendations regarding them.

The review also included a public consultation process and a two day public hearing. The public hearing concluded on 13 October 2005 and the consultation process concluded on 28 October 2005. I expect to receive a draft of the independent safety review from the consultants by the end of the month.

On 29 October I appointed Mr. Peter Cassells as mediator in the Corrib gas field dispute. Mr. Cassells was former general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions from 1989 to 2001 and was one of the main architects of the social partnership agreements. He is currently chairperson of the national centre for partnership and performance. I am hopeful that the mediation process currently 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. I will, in due course, receive a report from Mr. Cassells on progress. The mediator will have the discretion to engage in discussions with other relevant persons or bodies, including local interests and companies involved in the provision of services, as he sees fit.

The transposition of any amendments to the Seveso directive into Irish law is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Corrib gas pipeline is not subject to the provisions of the Seveso directive. The Corrib terminal at Bellinaboy is classified as a lower tier Seveso site on the basis of the Seveso thresholds and thereby must comply with all the relevant lower tier Seveso directive requirements. Under the European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations, the developer is required to have a major accident prevention policy in place. The major accident prevention policy is implemented through the development of a safety management system for the facility. This requirement is outlined in the regulations.

The supply of gas to the industrial or domestic sectors in the region falls within the remit of Bord Gáis Éireann and the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER.