Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 3

Written Answers. - Natural Gas Grid.

Michael Ring

Question:

311 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her Department or Údarás na Gaeltachta is providing any assistance to ensure the provision of natural gas for the towns in the north Mayo area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28208/00]

Michael Ring

Question:

312 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if Údarás na Gaeltachta in conjunction with her Department provide funding for An Bord Gáis to get the gas line from north Mayo to service the town of Belmullet, County Mayo. [28209/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 312 together.

The provision of assistance for the construction of a gas branch pipeline is not a matter for my Department or for Údarás na Gaeltachta.

I met yesterday with the task force, which I established on foot of the closure of the Warner factory in Belmullet, County Mayo, to discuss the progress of its work in general. One of the main tasks I set the group is to address the long-term issue of improving the overall infrastructure of the Erris Gaeltacht with a view to developing its potential as an industrial and service employment location. To this end I understand that the task force is examining the issues surrounding the provision of a gas branch pipeline for Belmullet.

When the task force publishes its final report, I will be examining its recommendations in relation to infrastructure further.