Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2009
350 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding his plans for connection of gas for a town (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46986/09]
View answerThe development and operation of the natural gas network is, in the first instance, a matter for Gaslink, a subsidiary of Bord Gáis Éireann, which as the gas transmission system operator, is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain a system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has, since 2002, had statutory responsibility for all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no direct statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.
In 2006, the CER approved a new networks connections policy, which created the opportunity to reassess the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be satisfied as a prerequisite. This is to ensure that over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the actual consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. CER allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns. Exchequer funding is not provided for the roll-out of new towns connections.
Gaslink has carried out Phase 3 of a comprehensive assessment of towns not already connected to the national gas network. I am advised that Tipperary town is included in a total of 42 towns examined as part of Phase 3 of this assessment, which has been completed. Gaslink has submitted its Phase 3 report to the CER and I am advised that the CER's review of the report has been finalised, and will be published thereafter. The report will outline which towns or groups of towns would be economically viable for connection, within the revised connection policy criteria.
