Mervyn Taylor
Question:239 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Energy if he supports the provision of natural gas to the Clondalkin area of Dublin 22; and if so, he will make a statement indicating the steps he is taking to implement this.
Written Answers. - Extension of Natural Gas Grid.
Mervyn Taylor
Question:240 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Energy if he supports the provision of natural gas to Bawnogue, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if so, when it will be provided.
Mary Flaherty
Question:248 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Energy if Bord Gáis Éireann have completed their review of estates for inclusion in the gas grid; and if Courtlands, Griffith Avenue and Cedarwillow Estates in Dublin 9 will be included in the priority list.
I intend to take Questions Nos. 239, 240 and 248 together.
Bord Gáis Éireann have drawn up a register of non-gas estates in the Dublin area. The register comprises some 350 estates with 100,000 dwellings. Bord Gáis Éireann are developing a programme for the connection of these non-gas estates. When this is available BGE will be in a position to indicate the timescale involved for connection. While BGE will connect estates as quickly as possible the scale of the project means that it will extend over a number of years.
Bord Gáis Éireann must earn a satisfactory return on their capital expenditure. All estates will accordingly be surveyed to ascertain the level of take-up of gas and only those where a sufficient number of people opt for a supply, and on which the board can secure an adequate return on their investment, will be connected. During the survey residents will be advised of the charges involved in securing a supply and the cost of changng their existing system to gas.