Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Natural Gas Grid.

Denis Naughten

Question:

307 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the discussions she has had with An Bord Gáis in relation to the provision of a gas pipeline to County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1981/01]

Michael Ring

Question:

310 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans she has for the natural gas pipeline to go through Ballaghaderreen and Ballyhaunis, County Mayo in order that it might assist persons (details supplied). [2186/01]

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

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 307 and 310 together.

Under the Gas Acts, 1976 to 2000, Bord Gáis Éireann – BGE – has statutory responsibility to develop and maintain an efficient and cost effective gas transmission and distribution system. Extensions to the system are a matter for BGE to decide on the basis of commercial criteria. Applications to construct transmission pipelines require my consent whereas extensions of the distribution network fall exclusively with the day to day responsibilities of the board by authority of section 2 (6) of the Gas (Amendment) Act, 1987.

Provisions of EU Directive 98/30/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas require member states to liberalise their natural gas markets. My policy objectives regarding gas infrastructure reflect the need to ensure that there are appropriate economic signals in the natural gas market to promote the establishment of efficient new pipeline infrastructure. It is my understanding that BGE is currently reviewing, as part of a national study, regions that may be supplied with gas on an economic basis, including the needs of the north-west region. When this study is completed, BGE will have a fuller picture as to the viability of extending the gas transmission and distribution networks into areas previously unserviced, and will develop plans for extension to those areas where it is economically viable to do so.