asked the Minister for Transport and Power if it is intended to provide a national or regional natural gas grid in this country; if it is intended to carry out a feasibility study into the provision of such a grid and, if so, (a) who will authorise it (b) who will carry it out (c) its terms of reference and (d) if it will take full account of existing energy transmission systems in the country and the total costs of duplication.
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Grid.
272.
All proven natural gas resources, consisting of the Kinsale Head field, have been allocated to the Electricity Supply Board, Nitrigin Éireann Teo. and Cork Gas Company. In the event of further finds of gas in commercial quantities consideration will be given to the various possible uses of the gas before decisions are taken on its utilisation. The distribution of the gas through a pipeline grid systems is one of the possibilities which must be examined.
The feasibility of providing a national or regional grid would depend on a number of factors including the location of the gas field, the quantity of gas in the field, the technical and cost factors involved as well as considerations related to national energy policy.
Because the factors mentioned would have a significant bearing on the conclusions of any feasibility study, the most appropriate time for a specific and detailed study would be when further finds have been confirmed. In the meantime, many of the general considerations arising can and will be under examination. The experience being acquired on the pipeline work associated with the Kinsale Head development will serve as a guide in establishing the likely cost of a national grid and will give Bord Gáis Éireann an insight into problems associated with the distribution of natural gas. Any study of a gas grid system must, of course, take account of all relevant factors including the services being provided in the energy field by other fuels.