Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - Dublin Gas Network.

Peter Barry

Question:

261 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the cost to Bord Gáis of bringing the Dublin gas network up to safe international standards; the number of customers now served; the proportion of householders capable of receiving natural gas; if it is intended to extend the service to other areas of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

I am advised by Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE) that it has spent a total of £33.4 million on renewing/replacing its Dublin gas network since the take over from the former Dublin Gas Company in 1987. This figure is broken down as follows:

	£m
1988	10.5
1989	5.1
1990	5.4
1991	7.2
1992	5.2
Total	33.4

The Dublin gas network is now well up to international standards. Expenditure in this area will continue, where necessary, to maintain this status.

Bord Gáis estimates that, of approximately 300,000 households in the greater Dublin area, it has identified around 200,000 homes on streets where a gas supply is available. Of those, a total of 160,000 are customers. At present, BGE estimates that there are approximately 100,000 homes in non-gas areas.

In the light of its statutory obligation to develop and maintain a system for the supply of natural gas on a commercial basis, Bord Gáis intends to offer natural gas to everybody currently without a supply and to make it available where there is sufficient interest, and where it is economical for the Board to do so.