I propose to take Questions Nos. 861 to 863, inclusive, together.
The delivery of 14 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations, as part of the Causeway Project co-funded by the EU Connecting Europe Facility, is an operational matter for Gas Networks Ireland.
I have been provided with an update on the current status of these stations by Gas Networks Ireland which is set out in the following table.
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Location
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Status
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Station 1
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Dublin Port
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The Commission for the Regulations of Utilities has issued Ireland’s first CNG Supplier License to Circle K in December. The introduction of public refuelling will commence shortly (in January) with access being managed at commencement to ensure smooth operation.
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Station 2
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Exit 8, Cashel
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Planning permission is in place with programme on track for operation in July 2019
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Station 3
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Kinsale Road, Cork
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Project is progressing with programme on track for operation in August 2019.
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Station 4, 5, 6, 7
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Louth, Limerick, Portlaoise and Tipperary (exact locations to be confirmed)
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Construction is expected to take place in 2019.
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Station 8-14
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To be confirmed.
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Negotiations in relation to locations are ongoing.
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Gas Networks Ireland has stated that is committed to opening these 14 CNG filling stations and is aiming for all of them to be operational by the end of 2020.