Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when it is expected that the gas from the Corrib gas field will become available here; if all necessary planning requirements have been complied with to the satisfaction of the various monitoring statutory or regulatory bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15884/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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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.

The Corrib Project requires a number of statutory permissions in order for the developer to construct, operate and maintain the development.

In February of this year, the then Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources granted consent to the Corrib Partners pursuant to Section 40 of the Gas Act, 1976 and Section 13 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960 to construct, but not commission, the Corrib Gas Pipeline, subject to 47 conditions. No works have yet been undertaken by the Corrib Partners pursuant to these consents.

The Deputy might also note that other licences and permissions beyond my statutory remit, including planning permission, Foreshore Licence and an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Licence are also required with respect to the construction and operation of the Corrib Gas Pipeline.