Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 917: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are plans for an oral hearing on safety concerns, including danger of the valve station at Glengad, in relation to Corrib gas in County Mayo; his views on the impact on the local environment; his further views on the possible benefits to the economy arising from the gas coming on stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11154/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Gas Act, 1976, as amended, provides for the conduct of an oral hearing where an objection is received to an application to the Minister for a compulsory acquisition order pursuant to section 32 of the Gas Act, for land required in connection with the construction of a natural gas pipeline. This provision was transferred to An Bórd Pleanála under Section 37 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, 2006. An application for planning permission in respect of the Corrib Gas Pipeline has been made to An Bórd Pleanála, which is now the appropriate authority under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, 2006 and I understand that an oral hearing is to be held by the Bórd.

My Department has also received an application for the construction of the Corrib Gas pipeline pursuant to section 40 of the Gas Act, 1976, as amended. In considering that application I required the developer, as part of the statutory Environmental Impact Assessment process, to consult publicly on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted in support of the application. This process concluded on 9 March, 2009 and the submissions received are being considered as part of the overall EIS assessment process.

In relation to the benefits to the economy that will arise from the gas coming on stream, it is estimated the Corrib Gas Field will meet over 50% of our national gas demand during peak production with substantial tax revenue accruing to the Exchequer resulting from profits from the field.