Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in the conclusion of the works associated with the Corrib gas field with particular reference to compliance with all health and safety or other statutory regulations, preparatory to making supply available to the national grid; when it is expected such supplies will become available to the domestic and commercial markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13120/12]

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.

Following receipt of the relevant statutory permits by the developer, works on the construction of the onshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline commenced in July 2011. Oversight of these works is being undertaken by the appropriate authorities with respect to their respective consents i.e. Mayo County Council is charged with enforcement and compliance with the conditions of An Bord Pleanála's development permission pursuant to the Planning and Development Acts including the conditions with respect to the safety of the project.

With regard to the consents issued on 25 February, 2011 by the former Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources pursuant to the Gas and Petroleum Acts, I would like to advise that these contain a number of conditions specific to the safety and design of the project. My Department has appointed independent consultants to assist in monitoring compliance with these conditions to ensure that the project is constructed in a safe manner. It is estimated that construction of the onshore section of the pipeline, including the construction of a 5km tunnel, will take in the region of three years. First gas cannot therefore reasonably be anticipated before 2014.