Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 533: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when product from the Corrib gas field will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3827/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 534: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when all oil, gas or other mineral discoveries on and offshore are expected to become available for commercial purposes with particular reference to those areas that have shown discoveries of commercial value but are not yet developed or available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3828/10]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 533 and 534 together.

The only petroleum discovery that has been declared commercial but has yet to be developed is the Corrib Gas Field. Construction of the Corrib Gas Terminal at Bellanaboy is almost completed as are the subsea facilities at the Corrib Gas Field. Last summer the 83km offshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline was installed. The developers are engaged in the process of securing a number of statutory consents required for the construction of the onshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline.

Completion of the development works by the developers is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. There are currently no new mineral discoveries that are proving commercially viable; however, there have been some encouraging results.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 535: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the research undertaken in respect of the suitability of biodiesel for home heating; the degree to which this will be improved in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3831/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department is not aware of any current research in Ireland on the use of biofuel for home heating purposes. OFTEC, which is the trade association representing manufacturers of oil fired heating and cooking equipment in Ireland and the UK, is currently undertaking field trials in the UK of bio-heating oils. I am advised that pilot trials of such fuel may take place in areas in Ireland by the end of this year.