asked the Minister for Energy if he will make a statement on the up-to-date position of the application of Waterford Gas Ltd. for a supply of natural gas; and when it is expected that the domestic consumers will be in a position to enjoy the availability of natural gas in their homes.
Written Answers. - Waterford Gas Ltd.
35.
The Government decided in principle in October 1985, to make a supply of natural gas available to Waterford Gas Company. Bord Gáis Éireann is currently examining proposals for that supply. Pending completion of this evaluation I am not in a position to comment on the timescale for the availability of natural gas to domestic consumers.
36.
asked the Minister for Energy if he will give a broad indication of the circumstances in which a supply of natural gas would be made available to Dungarvan, County Waterford; the forward planning which is being carried out to enable a supply to be brought to Dungarvan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is the responsibility of Bord Gáis Éireann to evaluate proposals for the supply of natural gas to particular consumers or areas.
As I have explained on other occasions, commercial viability is the primary requirement in establishing whether gas can be supplied to any particular area. While there are many factors to be taken into account, the principal determinant of this viability are the existence of profitable markets in the area and distance from the existing supply network.