Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the specific method by which odourless gas will be able to be detected at a particular gas terminal (details supplied); the body or authority to which incidences of leakage will be reported; which body or authority members of the public can contact should they detect or suspect a leak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46543/10]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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As I outlined in my response to Question No. 228 of 4 November 2010, the design and construction of the Corrib Gas terminal is based on best international engineering practice for gas processing terminals. The terminal is designed to ensure against a leak of gas and the developer has proposed systems that would detect a leak. The methodology proposed is standard and involves proven fire and gas detection systems.

Under my Department's Rules and Procedures for Offshore Petroleum Production Operations a matter such as a gas leak would be classified as an urgent matter that must be brought to the attention of my Department, by the infrastructure operator, without delay.

There are a number of other statutory bodies that have regulatory functions with respect to risk assessment including, An Bord Pleanála, Mayo County Council, the Health and Safety Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency. It would be a matter for each of those bodies to determine the reporting procedures in relation to any incident.

The Deputy may be aware that the Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Act 2010 confers responsibility on the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) for the regulation of upstream petroleum activities with respect to public safety. The statutory safety framework required by this legislation is currently being established by the CER and any incidents of leakage will fall within the remit of this new regime once it is published.

Whatever the regulatory framework, any third party concern in relation to the safe operation of infrastructure, such as the Corrib Gas terminal, should also be reported to the operator of that infrastructure.