Fingleton White and Co. Ltd. have been contracted by my Department to conduct the detailed feasibility study including cost benefit analysis to evaluate the possibility of bringing gas from the Galway-Mayo pipeline to Donegal Town via Sligo. The estimated total cost of the study is €190,000. The study, which commenced in July, will be completed in early 2007. This is the only such study commissioned directly by my Department within the timeframe mentioned.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (with funding from the INTERREG programme) carried out a feasibility study and cost benefit analysis in relation to the proposed extension of the pipeline from Derry to Letterkenny. Bord Gáis Éireann had a number of studies carried out in relation to extending the pipeline in the west and northwest.