Michael Bell
Ceist:21 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the specific proposals she has to ensure the development of the Corrib gas field will benefit the BMW region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16671/00]
Written Answers. - Natural Gas Grid.
Assuming that the Corrib field will be declared commercial, the gas will have to be piped to where the gas market exists, mainly on the east coast. It has to flow through a significant segment of the west of Ireland for that to happen. In that scenario it is reasonable to assume that gas service will be provided to towns and industries along the way wherever it is economic to do so. Detailed decision making in this respect will be for BGE and other market players.
I am primarily interested at this stage in having an early decision by the relevant market players about the commerciality of the field and the route to market.