Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 3

Written Answers - Gas Pipelines.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

97 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position in relation to having a gas extension examined with her counterpart on the Northern Executive from Belfast through Coolkearagh and Derry into County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12662/01]

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

Bord Gáis Éireann, BGE, and Questar, a US gas pipeline company, have recently submitted a licence application to the Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas in Northern Ireland in relation to the construction of pipelines from Dublin to Belfast and from Belfast to Derry. Consideration of the application is a matter for the Northern Ireland authorities and I understand they have commenced negotiations with BGE and Questar.

The question of extending gas supply from Derry into County Donegal would depend in the first instance on the outcome of the application by BGE and Questar regarding the Belfast-Derry pipeline. BGE has advised me that it is examining the economics of a pipeline from Derry into County Donegal and, depending on the outcome of such examination, would be prepared to consider it in the event of the Northern Ireland authorities deciding to approve the licence application for the Belfast-Derry pipe-line.

My Department will continue to maintain close contact with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and BGE and Questar regarding this issue.