Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 544: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans to provide for compulsory purchase orders for the construction of oil pipelines, particularly as such orders are available for gas pipelines, and as oil pipelines are subject to fast-track planning rules under the strategic infrastructure legislation. [18072/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Irish downstream oil industry, which is fully privatised, liberalised and de-regulated, is served by a number of multi-national and domestic independent companies operating in accordance with their own commercial policies. Ireland's commercial oil distribution system is currently based on sea and road transport and the question of compulsory purchase orders for oil pipelines has not arisen at this point.

As part of the Government's commitment to review the security of Ireland's oil supplies, I have commissioned an expert study on Ireland's access to commercial oil supplies. This study will include an examination of distribution systems currently operating and will assess a range of options for future developments including pipeline distribution within Ireland and interconnection with Britain and/or continental Europe, and of pipeline distribution within Ireland. The recommendations of this study, which will be completed in June, will be used to inform any future policy decisions and regulatory actions that may be required to support continued adequate supplies of commercial oil to the Irish market.