Vol. 411 No. 1
53 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Energy if he has any proposals to extend the natural gas distribution network to all estates in Tallaght, Dublin 24, and Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE) have a statutory obligation to develop and maintain a system for the supply of natural gas on a commercial basis. Accordingly, proposals for the extension of the distribution grid are a matter for BGE and are assessed by the board in the light of that obligation.
Bord Gáis earlier this year announced details of a programme to extend a supply of gas to non-gas estates in the major urban centres. This programme will extend over the next five years. In 1991, 6,000 homes in the Dublin area, including a number of estates in Tallaght and Clondalkin, are being offered a supply. The board are currently examining non-gas estates, with a view to drawing up a schedule of work for 1992. Those estates closest to the existing mains will be canvassed first and those which meet basic investment criteria will then be ranked on the basis of return on investment. The programme for 1992 will be drawn up on the basis of that ranking.
