Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 234: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the report on the Corrib gas pipeline proposal carried out by a person (details supplied) for the Centre for Public Inquiry; and the implications which that has for a review of the project. [36483/05]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 238: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will suspend the Corrib gas project due to the serious concerns to public safety identified in the Centre for Public Inquiry report into the Corrib gas project; and if he will take steps to ensure that a safe means in the uptake of the gas ashore can be decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36753/05]

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

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 234 and 238 together.

As Deputies will be aware, I have commissioned an independent safety review of the onshore, upstream section of the Corrib gas pipeline. The consultants, Advantica, have critically examined all relevant documentation on the design, construction and operation of the pipeline and the associated facilities.

This review included a public consultation process and a public hearing in north-west Mayo. I have received this review in draft form, and it will be published at the beginning of December, following its presentation to the community in the area of the pipeline. The mediator, Peter Cassells, will chair this presentation and the consultants from Advantica will also be present to answer questions.

The consultants have been forwarded copies of the reports published by the Centre for Public Inquiry, and will be in a position to comment on these, where these reports refer to pipeline safety in their final report.