Dáil Éireann - Volume 353 - 31 October, 1984

Written Answers. - Natural Gas Supply.

Mr. Aylward Mr. Aylward

483. Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Energy the progress which has been made towards the piping of natural gas to Kilkenny city; if a definite route has been decided on; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Aylward Mr. Aylward

484. Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Energy the progress which has been made towards the piping of natural gas to Waterford city; if a final decision has been made in relation to the proposed route; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Spring) Dick Spring

Minister for Energy (Mr. Spring): I propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 484 together.

Bord Gáis Éireann is currently evaluating a project proposal in relation to the supply of natural gas to Kilkenny. I expect the board to make recommendations to me shortly on whether the project is viable. A decision will be taken on the project as soon as I have considered the board's recommendations.

A feasibility study on the distribution of natural gas in Waterford, prepared on behalf of the gas company, was recently received by me. I have asked Bord Gáis Éireann to examine this project as a matter of priority. I understand from Bord Gáis Éireann that they hope to be in a position to report back to me on whether the project is viable in about six to eight weeks. As soon as I have considered this report a decision on the project will be taken.

Potential routes for piping natural gas to Kilkenny and Waterford have been identified by Bord Gáis Éireann. However, I consider that it would be inappropriate to publish details of the likely pipeline routes before I am satisfied that distribution projects in these centres are viable.

Dáil Éireann 353 Written Answers. Natural Gas Supply.

Questions

19841031