Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with regard to mediation efforts of the Corrib gas issue; the effect of recent planning rulings on Shell's pipeline and proposed refinery and if and when he expects an announcement on an agreed approach to bringing the gas deposit ashore; the way this will benefit County Mayo, Connaught and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26657/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the availability of supply from the Corrib gas field; if the issues which have impeded the progress of the project in the past have been fully addressed by the various interested bodies involved; if any or all of the contentious issues have been addressed; if there are remaining matters to be dealt with; when it is expected that all outstanding issues, existing or potential, have been fully examined, evaluated and resolved with a view to making supply available; the schedule in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26583/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 34 together.

As Deputies will be aware, as a result of local concerns over the safety of the Corrib gas pipeline, I commissioned a comprehensive independent safety review last August. Following a detailed review process, including two separate phases of public consultation, Advantica, the international consultants contracted to do the work, provided me with their report earlier this year. This review found that proper consideration was given to safety issues in the selection process for the design option and route. Moreover, the review found that if a number of additional provisions were made, there would be a substantial safety margin in the design.

The most important of these provisions was that an additional pressure limitation mechanism, to ensure that the pressure in the pipeline can never go above 144bar, be incorporated into the design. Other recommendations included the drawing up of an integrity management plan and the use of PD8010 as the design code for the project.

The Review was published in May, along with a report to me on the Advantica report by my Technical Advisory Group (TAG). This Group accepted the recommendations of the Advantica Report and made a number of recommendations of their own.

I have accepted these recommendations, and any future consents to conduct further work on the project will be dependent upon the developer meeting the requirements set out in these reports. I also appointed Mr. Peter Cassells, to act as mediator between the various parties. The developer, Shell, has already accepted the recommendations made by both Advantica and TAG and has committed itself to co-operating fully with the mediation process. Given the sensitivities involved, I do not consider it would be helpful for me to comment on the mediation process that is ongoing. I remain hopeful that a successful conclusion will be achieved.

When the mediation process has concluded and the additional requirements made of Shell arising from the Advantica Review, TAG recommendations and my own Department's recommendations are met, a significant construction period will be required before gas can be brought ashore.

The Corrib gas will bring significant benefits to the State as a whole. It will have a positive impact on the security of gas supply and the balance of payments. It will also encourage further exploration and investment. In addition there will be local benefits, in terms of employment and infrastructure development.

An Bord Gais has recently had its new connection policy approved by the energy regulator. This policy will frame a feasibility study of connections to towns in Co. Mayo with a view to providing services as soon as the Corrib field is on stream.

As regards the planning issue raised by Deputy Stagg I can advise him that I have no function in relation to planning matters and that this is a matter between the planning authority and the developers of the Corrib Gas Field.