Vol. 361 No. 5
asked the Minister for Energy if he is aware of the strong feelings of frustration and indignation expressed by Clonmel Corporation concerning the inordinate delay in securing agreement with An Bord Gáis for the supply of natural gas; if he will intervene directly to finalise negotiations without any further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
36.
asked the Minister for Energy when a supply of natural gas will be brought to Clonmel, County Tipperary.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together. The agency with responsibility for extension to the natural gas grid are Bord Gáis Éireann. In August 1984, I secured Government approval for the board to proceed with supply to Clonmel based on proposals submitted by Clonmel Corporation involving a corporation operated and financed project.
In subsequent discussions with Bord Gáis, Clonmel Corporation made fundamental alterations to their proposals which would require the take-over by BGE of virtually all responsibility for the funding and operation of the project. BGE indicated that they were prepared to consider such an arrangement but only after their own independent investigations confirmed both the technical and economic viability of the project.
It is understood from BGE that these investigations will be completed shortly and that BGE will them be in a position to revert to the corporation. I do not feel that my intervention is appropriate in the circumstances.
Questions Nos. 37 and 38 taken for oral reply.
