Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether adequate oil, gas or other fuel storage facilities are sufficient to meet future requirements; if he has in mind proposals to improve or enhance this capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13823/06]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent of the proposals he has to increase the storage capacity in respect of oil, gas or other fuels; the capacity in terms of days or weeks; his plans to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13815/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 108 together.

As a member of the International Energy Agency Ireland is required to maintain emergency oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net imports of crude oil equivalent in the previous year. The EU imposes a similar requirement based on consumption. The National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, is responsible for holding Ireland's strategic oil reserves.

It meets its obligations through a combination of stocks owned by NORA both at home and abroad, stocks 'ticketed' by NORA and operational stocks held in Ireland by the oil industry and large companies. At 1 February 2006, Ireland's oil stock reserves were estimated at 101 days net imports of which NORA stocks accounted for 37 days.

It is estimated that oil storage capacity held by the Irish oil industry and oil consumers amounts to 98 days. The question of increasing the capacity of oil companies and oil consumers is one for the companies themselves.

The Minister is satisfied that Ireland's emergency stock levels are sufficient to ensure that we would be in a position to participate effectively in any internationally co-ordinated response in the event of an international oil supply disruption, or manage any short-term disruption specifically impacting on the Irish market.

Under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002, the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, has the function of licensing natural gas storage facilities. In carrying out its functions, the commission must have regard to the need to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in the natural gas system to enable reasonable expectations of demand to be met; and to secure the continuity, security and quality of supplies of natural gas.

Marathon Oil Ireland Limited is developing natural gas storage facilities at south west Kinsale. CER is finalising the licensing regime and it is planned that the storage facility will be operational in summer 2006.

A common all-island approach on storage and liquefied natural gas in the context of the all-island energy market development framework is being progressed. Work is under way by the Departments and regulatory authorities North and South with a feasibility study being commissioned as a first step.

In the case of peat, Bord na Mona holds stocks of 6.6 million tonnes of peat against annual requirement of 3.3 million tonnes based on usage of the three peat stations and the two briquette factories.