Noel Davern
Ceist:108 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the proposals, if any, being considered to extend the supply of natural gas to Tipperary town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16948/95]
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Pipeline Extension.
BGE has a statutory obligation to develop and maintain a system for the supply of natural gas on a commercial basis and any proposals for an extension of the gas grid are assessed by the board in the light of that obligation.
Only projects which meet the board's economic criteria are undertaken. In that context, I am anxious that the network should be extended to other areas of the country where that would be commercially viable.
At my request, BGE is currently investigating the economics of extensions to Shannon, Ennis, Tralee, Galway and other towns, including Tipperary town.