asked the Minister for Energy if £23 million non-Quota-Money has been allocated from EC funds for natural gas development in the north-east region which includes County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Development.
459.
As I indicated on 10 October last in reply to a question by Deputy Faulkner, the economics of projects to supply gas to the north-east region are now being reassessed in the light of the changed circumstances following the British Government's withdrawal from the Northern Ireland gas pipeline project. As part of this reassessment, officials of my Department are exploring with the EC Commission the possibilities of securing special funding. However, as these matters are still at an exploratory level it would be both premature and inappropriate for me to make any further comment at this stage.