Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 12 Feb 1954

Vol. 144 No. 3

Wexford Gas Order—Motion of Approval.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. Lemass)

I move:—

That the Wexford Gas Order, 1954, proposed to be made by the Minister for Industry and Commerce and laid in draft before Dáil Éireann on the 29th day of January, 1954, under sub-section (4) of Section 10 of the Gas Regulation Act, 1920, be approved.

The Wexford Gas Company applied for an Order under the Gas Regulation Acts to enable the company to secure additional capital for the reconstruction and modernisation of plant and equipment. The Order proposes to increase the authorised capital from £20,000 to £40,000 and its borrowing powers from £10,000 to £20,000. It authorises the company to purchase on lease houses, cottages and other buildings for use as offices and housing accommodation for their employees. Notice of intention to apply for the Order was given by the gas company and no objections to the making of the Order were received.

Mr. Corish

What is the reason for the inclusion of paragraphs Nos. 10, 11, 12 and 13? These are not new powers. They have these powers already.

Mr. Lemass

No. Paragraph 10 facilitates them in the laying of pipes for the supply of gas to premises in private streets not dedicated to public use arising in the case of new housing estates. It may be argued that the company has the powers. The provisional Order was put in in order to remove any doubts in that regard. Ordinarily, the company would have to secure the owner's consent and there might be difficulty in some cases where the ownership itself might be difficult to determine.

Paragraph 9 deals with the disposal of land. It means that it will not be necessary that the lands should be first offered to original or adjoining owners. It would be necessary under the existing Act.

Question put and agreed to.