asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of the concern expressed by people living in the Cork harbour area due to a leakage of gas from the NET plant at Marino Point and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware of the concern expressed by some people living in the vicinity of Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta's ammonia/urea plant at Marino Point, which is currently undergoing commissioning, due to two recent incidents involving the escape of ammonia gas, one of which occurred from the plant and the other of a more minor nature from a ship berthed at the jetty.

The first incident was an accidental release of ammonia vapour which lasted for one to two minutes due to an equipment failure which has since been rectified. The second was a very minor incident involving a leak from an incompletely sealed valve on a ship at the jetty which allowed some ammonia to pass into the atmosphere which, although small, would have caused a smell. In this case, corrective measures were taken by the ship's command. I understand that NET have made a strong protest to the ship's command and to its owners and have been given an assurance that the ship will be fully checked before it returns to Marino Point.

NET have assured the public through statements in the press that they will deal responsibly and fully with all complaints made by the public as a result of these two incidents. I understand, in fact, that complainants have been visited and spoken to by company staff and the position explained to them.

Is the Minister aware that there are rumours that other incidents took place besides the two he referred to? Could he deny that?

I do not think any incidents of any significance took place other than the two I mentioned.

Of any significance.

While the plant was being built and initial testing was being carried out, there could have been very minor leaks of gas or ammonia.

Would part of the problem be the siting of the tanks? If so, would it be possible for the Minister to talk to NET for the purpose of moving these tanks so that they would not be so near the road?

I do not think the leakage occurred from the tanks. One occurred in the main or manufacturing part of the plant and the other minor one occurred on a ship. As far as I can recall, the jetty is on the far side from the road and the plant.

My understanding may be different from the Minister's but could he confirm that because this break occurred near the road, according to local sources, the danger from such a break is potentially more dangerous?

I do not think so. If the storage tanks were moved, the main plant could not be moved.

Could anything be switched round inside the plant?

That would not be feasible.

Would the Minister ask NET to look at this?