Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 30: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he is taking in view of the recent deterioration of the Corrib gas dispute; the interested parties he has had contact with; the way in which he envisages this impasse being breached and the gas being brought ashore in a safe and agreed manner; if the mediator, Mr. Peter Cassells, is involved in any capacity with the negotiation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33405/06]

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

Notwithstanding the fact that my function in relation to the Corrib Gas Field is a regulatory one, I have been endeavouring to create the conditions that would allow the difficulties associated with this project to be resolved. Arising from local concerns about safety, I had a comprehensive safety review of the onshore upstream gas pipeline carried out by Advantica consultants last year. The Technical Advisory Group, (TAG) which supervised the safety review, made a series of further recommendations, covering, among other things, issues of design code, the drawing up of a Pipeline Integrity Management Plan and a range of measures on which the developer would have to gain TAG's approval to ensure that the actual construction and installation of the pipeline would be to highest international standards.

I published the full details of all of these recommendations in May of this year. The developer, Shell, has accepted the recommendations made by both Advantica and TAG and has committed itself to meeting all of these requirements fully. No further consents will be issued by me until I am satisfied that these are being met in full.

I also appointed Mr. Peter Cassells as mediator in the dispute. Mr. Cassells has concluded his work and reported in July 2006 and does not have any ongoing role. Shell has accepted the recommendations made by the mediator.

I am aware that Shell has indicated publicly that it is considering alternative pipeline routes and will consult widely when it has come to a conclusion in relation to options.

I am of the view that the Advantica, TAG and the Cassells reports have paved the way for this project to move forward. While my Department has regular contact with Shell in its capacity as the developer of the project I do not have any role in relation to the current situation at Bellanaboy which relates to the developer gaining access to its own site with a view to undertaking work on this important project in accordance with approvals already issued to it.