Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Natural Gas Grid.

Brendan Smith

Question:

154 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, she has to extend the supply of natural gas beyond Mullagh and Virginia to other towns in County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18670/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

I am informed by Bord Gáis that supply points for natural gas already exist adjacent to the towns of Bailieborough and Kingscourt where large industrial customers are supplied. Market studies have been carried out on each of these towns and are regularly updated. As yet sufficient interest and potential loads have not been identified to make mains extension projects for these towns economically viable for Bord Gáis.

An internal Bord Gáis report has been prepared in the last two months on the provision of a natural gas supply to the town of Cavan with a possible spur to Ballyjamesduff. A pipeline extension of approximately 30km is required to supply Cavan town from the supply point in Virginia. The market information received when producing the report is currently being studied to see if the loads identified would justify the cost of extending the network to Cavan. If the required economic criteria are met, the question of proceeding with the extension in 1999 will be considered by Bord Gáis.