Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

This is an incredible opportunity to balance regional development. I am delighted there has been a number of developments in that regard. A pipeline is being constructed, and those of us who travel through Claregalway, Mayo Abbey and elsewhere can see it crossing the country. That is a basic piece of infrastructure but there are those who will argue that it is being put in to take the gas out. I argue, with justification, that it is a piece of infrastructure that could be used as a main backbone for distribution.

I compliment the Western Development Commission for the incredible work it did in examining the CER terms regarding evaluation of viability of gas. The CER, which does the assessment and licensing of prospective operators, must be satisfied that such an extension is economically viable before granting its consent. I am delighted the CER has approved Bord Gáis's new connection policy applicable to both the transmission and distribution networks. It now intends carrying out — I realise the process is slow but this is the way problems get solved — a study to examine the potential connections that can arise on foot of this policy. Based on the advice given to me by the Western Development Commission, this change is very strategic because it will enable a large number of towns in the west, particularly in Mayo, to be connected.

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