Phil Hogan
Question:205 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason the natural gas pipeline is not being extended to Callan, County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1759/00]
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Grid.
Under the Gas Acts, 1976 to 1995, Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE) has statutory responsibility to develop and maintain a cost-effective and efficient gas transmission and distribution system. Extensions of the transmission system require my consent whereas extensions of the distribution network fall exclusively within the day-to-day responsibilities of the board.
I have made inquiries to BGE which informed me that it has carried out an assessment on the viability of extending the existing gas network to Callan, County Kilkenny. Extending the gas grid to Callan would involve the installation of a transmission 70 bar to 4 bar reduction station and feeder and distribution mains resulting in a considerable capital investment.
The demand for natural gas in Callan is too limited to justify the financial outlay involved. Therefore, BGE cannot extend the gas grid to Callan at this time. However, the board has assured me that, if the potential market for natural gas in Callan were to increase significantly, BGE will reassess the position.