Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 2

Written Answers. - Gas Extension Programme.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

61 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Energy if he has raised with Bord Gáis their decision to exclude local authority homes from their gas extension programme announced in June 1991 in view of the discriminatory nature of the decision and the difficulty it will create for families in local authority housing estates in those areas of Dublin where the burning of bituminous coal has been banned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy)

Bord Gáis Éireann 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 gas distribution grid are a matter for Bord Gáis Éireann and are assessed by the board in the light of that obligation.

Bord Gáis Éireann assures me that they have not made any decision to exclude local authority homes from the gas extension programme announced in June 1991 and that all non-gas estates are and will be treated equally. Those estates which give the best return on investment will be undertaken first. Estates for inclusion in the 1992 programme are currently being surveyed by the board and those which meet the basic investment criteria will then be ranked on the basis of return on investment.