Michael Ferris
Question:34 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the study on gas demand to 2025 has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12994/99]
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Grid.
Bernard Allen
Question:45 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the discussion, if any, she has had with Bord Gáis regarding the options currently being examined by it for its future gas supply; and if she will make a statement on the negotiations currently under way between Bord Gáis and Keyspan regarding the proposal to build a gas pipeline between here and Northern Ireland at a total cost of £510 million at no cost to Bord Gáis but which would involve it placing its assets in a joint venture with Keyspan which would include the gas pipeline infrastructure. [9684/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 45 together.
As I stated in response to questions on 18 February and 9 March 1999, there are parties other than Bord Gáis interested in future gas infrastructure needs and supply possibilities. The interests of such parties together, of course, with the interests of both current and future gas consumers have to be taken into account in developing policy for the future.
I understand that Bord Gáis is preparing a document for early publication about future gas demand scenarios. A separate report appraising alternative arrangements for all-island gas supply was recently completed and it is being examined from the point of view of releasing it for general consumption following the deletion of commercially sensitive information. Work on the study of gas demand to the year 2025 should be completed in a few months and my disposition is to publish as much of the information as possible.
There is, of course, ongoing regular contact between my Department and Bord Gáis about all of these matters. As regards the particular matter of joint ownership of gas infrastructure both to and within the island of Ireland, which is referred to in Deputy Allen's question, I am generally aware that there have been exploratory contacts between the parties, initiated by Keyspan/British Gas. Those discussions are at a very early stage and I have not, therefore, received a proposal from Bord Gáis. I cannot confirm the cash figure mentioned in the question. I would have to be convinced that the type of arrangement referred to by the Deputy would be in the long-term interest of gas consumers and the economy generally before I could give it serious consideration. I also expect that it would require EU clearance.