asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if it is his intention to have natural gas provided for Kilkenny city; and the progress that has been made in this respect; if it is his intention to have extensions carried out to some of the smaller towns in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Supply to Kilkenny.
230.
Kilkenny Gas Company have submitted an independent feasibility study on supplying natural gas to the town. I have instructed BGE to discuss the details of this study with representatives of the Kilkenny Gas Company and I understand that these discussions are currently taking place. I expect to have a final report from BGE in about two months time and I will consider the matter further at that stage.
The extension of supply to smaller towns which do not have an existing supply of town gas may be examined in the longer term. It would not be realistic to assume the likelihood of a supply for a number of years.