Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
272. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the costs that will be incurred as a result of changing the name of Bord Gáis Éireann to Ervia; the reasons for this name change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28024/14]
View answerThe cost associated with the change of name from Bord Gáis Éireann to Ervia is an operational matter for the company and not one in which I have a function. However, I did request that the company to ensure that any associated rebranding costs would be minimised and that any publicity campaign is appropriate and focussed on avoiding any potential negative safety implications arising from the name change for the company.
As regards the reasons for the change of name, the Bord Gáis Energy brand is an important element of value in the sale of the energy business of Bord Gáis Éireann. As part of the sale agreement, Bord Gáis Éireann will no longer use "Bord Gáis" in the name or brand of either its group or network businesses.
In December 2013 the Government approved the change of name of Bord Gáis Éireann to "Ervia". Provision to give effect to the name change was included in the ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) Act 2014 (No. 5 of 2014). The name "Ervia" was selected by Bord Gáis Éireann to reflect the new mandate for the company, being responsible for the strategic national gas networks and water and waste water infrastructure.
