Proposed gas pipeline routes unveiled

BORD Gáis unveiled three possible routes last night for a proposed €60 million pipeline to increase gas supply to the south.

Representatives of Bord Gáis Networks held the first of two public consultations in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, where the routes for the proposed 47-kilometre Curraleigh West to Midleton gas pipeline were outlined.

A second information evening takes place in the Midleton Park Hotel tonight.

The 24-inch diameter steel pipeline will be buried 1.2 metres below ground and will run through mostly agricultural land from an above ground installation at Curraleigh West, west of Ballyporeen village in Co Tipperary, to the Midleton compressor station.

Option A passes to the west of Castlelyons and Midleton. Options B and C pass east of Castlelyons and Midleton.

Option B is currently the preferred route as it presents the least risk to the environment during construction.

It also presents the lowest risk option in terms of safety during construction.

Whichever route is chosen will mainly follow the route of the existing Cork-Dublin pipeline and will deliver gas to meet increased demand in Cork. Two gas power stations in Cork will be among the main consumers of the imported gas.

Construction is due to start in March 2009 with up to 150 people employed during the seven-month construction period.

Work to minimise the environmental impact of the project us due to take place between December and next March.

Under the terms of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, Bord Gáis Networks hopes to apply to An Bord Pleanála soon for planning approval and compulsory acquisition orders.

Representatives from Bord Gáis Networks have met with the Irish Farmers’ Association and landowner representatives and have agreed compensation terms for agricultural land.

However, the terms are confidential, said the company.

“Bord Gáis Networks is fully committed to environmental conservation and the protection of Irish heritage,” said a company spokesperson.

“The latest and least intrusive engineering methods will be used during construction and the pipeline will be built, operated and maintained to the highest national and international safety standards.”