asked the Minister for Energy the reason he has not yet given consent under section 8 of the Gas Act to Bord Gáis Éireann to enable them to acquire way-leaves for the purpose of the spur natural gas line to Limerick although they applied last August; and if he will now give consent without delay.
Written Answers. - Limerick Natural Gas Supply.
568.
Giving consent under section 8 of the Gas Act, 1976, would be for the purpose of enabling BGE to negotiate and to enter into financial commitments for the acquisition of way-leaves along the pipeline route to Limerick. As I indicated on 6 December in reply to the Deputy's Questions Nos. 608, 609 and 610, the supply of natural gas by Bord Gáis Éireann to Limerick is still under discussion. I will consider the question of a section 8 consent in the light of the outcome of these discussions.