Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
129 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his and the Government’s policy on the development of the Corrib gas field insofar as provision for industry to avail of combined heat and power processes for industry throughout County Mayo is concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30774/04]
View answer130 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will use his powers under section 21 of the Gas Interim Regulation Act 2002 to allow for the provision of spare lines to cater for the towns of Belturbet, Crossmolina, Ballina, Swinford, Castlebar, Newport, Westport, Ballinrobe, Claremorris, Kiltimagh and Ballyhaunis arising from the forthcoming development of the Corrib gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30775/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.
It is open to any intending supplier of gas to any of the towns mentioned to apply to the Commission for Energy Regulation as the competent authority in these matters for consent to lay the necessary pipework and for a licence to supply natural gas.
There is a long-standing Government commitment to examine the feasibility of bringing natural gas from the Corrib to Sligo. Now that planning mattes for the terminal are concluded, I have asked my officials to commence this evaluation process.
It is too early to say whether action under section 21 is expedient or realistic in term of cost implications for gas consumers generally.
It is open to any industry to develop a combined heat and power facility using natural gas where available, or using biomass resources.
My Department established a bio-energy strategy group and a CHP policy group on the past year, with a view to developing a national policy on these important sustainable and renewable resources. Both groups are scheduled to report shortly and this will form part of a wider policy on renewable energy being developed by the renewable energy development group, which was established by my Department earlier this year.
