Emmet Stagg
Question:96 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if it is proposed to extend the supply of natural gas to Tipperary town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17632/00]
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Grid.
Under the Gas Acts, 1976 to 1995, Bord Gáis Éireann, BGE, has statutory responsibility to develop and maintain an efficient and cost-effective gas transmission and distribution system. Extensions to the transmission system require my consent whereas extensions of the distribution network fall exclusively within the day to day responsibilities of the board.
BGE has informed me that it carried out an assessment on the possibility of expanding the gas network to Tipperary town. The potential size of the natural gas market in the town would not justify the capital costs involved.
However, if the market increases significantly in the future, BGE will re-assess the situation and if the economics prove positive, the company will then be in a position to supply natural gas to Tipperary town.