Transmission pipes operate at high pressures and are used to move large volumes of natural gas. Once the gas has reached the onshore Ireland network it is transmitted through pipes buried in the ground. The onshore network forms a ring extending through Counties Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. In addition, there are spurs to, among other places, Louth, Cavan, and Waterford. Gaslink is the independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) while Bord Gáis Eireann is the Transmission Asset Owner (TAO).
It is mainly very large users of natural gas such as power stations that are supplied directly from the transmission network. Other users (including residential users) receive natural gas via the distribution network.
In carrying out its functions the CER seeks to ensure that any customer requesting access to the transmission network is treated fairly, that all processes are conducted in a transparent manner and that transmission system operators comply with all European and Irish legislation. We monitor the level of compliance by the system operator and can impose sanctions if needed.