John Browne
Ceist:54 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, to extend the natural gas grid to County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5790/99]
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Grid.
The question of extending the natural gas grid is one for Bord Gais Éireann, BGE, in the first instance.
I am informed by BGE that the current energy demand projections in County Wexford are not sufficient to generate the requisite economic returns to justify the level of capital expenditure involved in extending the natural gas network to the county.
However, the situation is being kept under review by BGE. If future energy demand projections increase to the point where a network extension meets with the board's investment criteria, then the board would be likely to proceed with seeking the necessary approvals from me for an extension of the network to County Wexford.