Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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124. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when it is expected product from the Corrib Gas field will become available on the domestic market; the regions of the country most likely to benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4807/14]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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125. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which the domestic and industrial sector will benefit from the Corrib Gas field when product from it becomes available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4808/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.

Completion of the Corrib gas field development works, by the developer, is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. It is estimated that construction of the onshore section of the pipeline, including the construction of a 5km tunnel, will be completed later this year, with first gas expected in the first half of 2015. The Corrib gas project will make a significant contribution to the island's security of supply situation. It is estimated that the project will have an operating life span of between 15 to 20 years and gas production will on average meet 42% of all island gas demand over the first 2 years of operation declining thereafter. I understand that the bulk of the gas produced from the Corrib field will be supplied to the national grid via the 149km pipeline constructed by Bord Gáis Networks and which runs from the Gas terminal in Bellanaboy Co Mayo to Ballymoneen outside of Galway.