Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount the Advantica report cost his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39043/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I announced the selection of Advantica consultants on 25 August, following a tender competition, to carry out the independent safety review of the onshore, upstream section of the Corrib gas pipeline.

Advantica presented a draft of this independent safety review to the local community on 8 December in Belmullet and a discussion was held, chaired by the mediator, Mr. Peter Cassells. The technical advisory group within my Department is taking submissions on this draft, and these will be forwarded to Advantica for the preparation of a final draft. As Advantica has yet to submit a final report and we cannot rule out the possibility of further work being required, a precise figure for a final cost is not available. However, the contracted amount for work done is approximately €70,000.

This draft report is extremely thorough and comprehensive and delivers a clear series of recommendations. Advantica is to be congratulated on its work in this regard.