Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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As I informed the Deputy in my response to Question Number 347 on 27 April 2010, production of first gas from the Corrib gas field is a matter for the developer, subject to conformity with all statutory consent requirements.

For the Deputy's information, construction of the Corrib Gas Terminal at Bellanaboy is substantially completed as are the subsea facilities at the Corrib Gas Field. Last summer the 83 km 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 developer is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available. It is estimated that the Corrib gas field contains about 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves.

I would like to assure the Deputy that proper safety and environmental standards have always been central to my Department's evaluation of the Corrib Gas project. The implementation of all safety requirements and conditions is of course an obligation of the Developer. Compliance with safety requirements with respect to planning and other licensing permissions are not a matter in respect of which I have a function.