asked the Minister for Energy the present stage of development of the EC supported gas pipeline for the Border counties; when work will commence on the project; and how far it will extend into Counties Monaghan and Cavan.
20.
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Pipeline.
15.
asked the Minister for Energy when the natural gas pipeline will be extended to County Louth.
24.
asked the Minister for Energy if he will give an assurance that the sale of natural gas at exceptionally low rates of charge to NET will not put at risk the extension of the gas main to Dundalk and the Border areas.
38.
asked the Minister for Energy if the project programme for the extension of the natural gas pipeline from Dublin to County Louth has been submitted to the EC in accordance with regulation 3637/85 for approval; and, if so, the result.
39.
asked the Minister for Energy when work will commence on the natural gas pipeline extension from Dublin to County Louth.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 20, 24, 38 and 39 together.
The prospects for an extension of the gas supply network to centres in the Border region are very much dependent on the economic viability of such projects, taking into account the availability of European regional development funding under EC Regulation 3627/85. Until the necessary evaluation and planning work is completed, I am not in a position to comment on a supply to particular centres or on the timescale for such projects. In this context discussions are currently underway with the EC Commission on the content of a programme for submission under EC Regulation 3637/85, taking into account the adverse oil price movements since the Border areas gas project was mooted.
I would add that all extensions of the supply network are considered on their own merits and the terms of supply to existing customers have no bearing on this evaluation. Furthermore, it is not to be assumed that the extension of gas supply to the Border regions is more economic than meeting the needs of BGE's existing customers.