Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 357: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in bringing product ashore from the Corrib Gas field; if the statutory requirements in respect of the project have been fully complied with; when it is expected that supply will become available to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31005/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Completion of the Corrib gas field 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 developer is in receipt of all statutory permits relevant to the construction of the Corrib gas pipeline. Works commenced in July 2011 and 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, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government monitors compliance with the Foreshore Licence and my Department oversees and ensures statutory compliance with regard to the permissions granted pursuant to the Gas and Petroleum Acts. It is estimated that construction of the onshore section of the pipeline, including the construction of a 5km tunnel, which began last year, will take in the region of three years. First gas cannot therefore reasonably be anticipated before 2014.