Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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850. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the schedule for the availability of gas from the Corrib gas field for the national grid; the extent to which supply is likely to meet national demand in the short and medium term; the extent to which this is likely to play an important part in the economy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23883/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Completion of the Corrib gas field development works, by the developer, together with obtaining all of the necessary consents, are the principal factors that will determine the date for first gas. Construction and testing of the infrastructure is on-going with first gas anticipated later this year. 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, which runs from the gas terminal in Bellanaboy Co Mayo to Ballymoneen outside of Galway.

The economic benefits of the Corrib gas field include the direct return to the Exchequer, the significant economic activity generated from the development stage of the project together with a strengthening of Ireland’s security of energy supply. It is estimated that Corrib 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 two years of operation, declining thereafter.