asked the Minister for Energy if he will adopt as policy the view that all estates in the outward suburbs of Dublin, especially the outer suburbs of western Dublin, should be added to the gas grid; and if he will make a statement on the steps he proposes to take in respect of such a policy.
Written Answers. - Extension of Gas Grid.
159.
Bord Gáis Éireann is a State body which is statutorily charged with developing and maintaining a system for the supply of natural gas on a commercial basis. Any proposal for the extension of the natural gas grid would, therefore, have to be assessed in this light by the board.
It is the board's policy at present to target new housing developments and areas which are already served by gas mains and which have potential for significant extra gas sales. The capital cost of extending the gas grid to areas which are not already served by gas mains but which are already built up is extremely high. It is not my intention to require Bord Gáis Éireann to supply any new areas which it does not consider it economic to supply.
The Government are currently assessing environmental matters in the Dublin area and the role of natural gas in combating the problems which exist. All aspects including environmental and commercial considerations will be addressed in this assessment.