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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Oct 1985

Vol. 361 No. 1

Written Answers. - Extension of Natural Gas to Border Counties.

46.

asked the Minister for Energy the progress made to date towards providing natural gas to towns in County Louth.

47.

asked the Minister for Energy in view of the statement of Mr. Richard Deasy of the EC Social and Economic Committee at the Irish Gas Association Conference regarding grant-aid to extend natural gas to border counties, if he will expedite commencement of work on the project.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 47 together. The possibility of securing special EC funding for the supply of natural gas to the north-east, including areas in County Louth and in other border counties, has been under discussion for some time. The viability of gas projects in these areas is a primary consideration and the availability of such funding will be an important factor.

The EC aid proposal for a north-east gas programme is being considered as one element of a Community regional aid package. While I am hopeful of a successful outcome, the overall package has yet to be approved by the EC Council of Ministers. Accordingly, it would be premature to comment further until the matter is finally determined.

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