asked the Minister for Energy the purpose and the approximate cost of the ubiquitous excavation work being carried out in the city of Dublin since mid-1987 by Dublin Gas; and by whom the ultimate cost of this work will be borne.
Written Answers. - Dublin Gas Excavation Works.
33.
The purpose of the excavation works carried out in Dublin since mid-1987 is the installation and maintenance of the various gas services and in particular to maintain and repair the gas distribution network of mains and services; to replace sections of the network; to construct new mains and services to connect new customers to the gas network. The number of such gas excavations is less than 10 per cent in April 1988 of what it was in April 1987.
In the period from 1 July 1987 to 31 December 1987 about £10.2 million was spent on these works. The budgeted expenditure for 1988 is about £20.5 million. The costs involved are being borne by Bord Gáis Éireann.