Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

This project is going forward at a very steady pace. Based on ongoing work, we will be in a position where it will be considered viable by the CER, which is the test, to put gas into towns in Mayo.

The other issue is the construction of a natural gas pipeline from Mayo to Donegal via Sligo. I understand the Minister is proceeding with a study on this issue. The specifications for the proposed study include a requirement to examine the feasibility of bringing gas-fired power station generation to the region. This will inform future decisions. There has been considerable debate in the west about whether a possible gas line should go straight from north Mayo to Sligo via Ballina and the Ox Mountains; via Castlebar, Claremorris and Knock; or via Claremorris, Ballyhaunis and Ballaghadereen. I, like all my colleagues from the west, would like the pipeline to go through all the towns, which is the objective of the exercise. I hope that by working through this process, we can maximise the benefit and the number of towns which can obtain the gas.

It is very important to recognise that a European framework is involved. There is a range of rules and regulations one must deal with and we must work within this framework and try to bring matters to a successful conclusion within it. The desired result is that as many towns as possible in the west, particularly in Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo, will get connected because of the advantages of having a gas supply. I understand that a large number of people are tendering to carry out this study, which I welcome.

I am pleased with the way in which the safety issues raised have been taken on board very carefully by the Minister, who commissioned a report. We are coming to the end of a very thorough analysis in which a decision will then be made based on the best advice as to the provision of the pipe to the highest standards and ensuring the risk is minimised. The second issue involves ensuring that when the gas comes in, which will undoubtedly happen, it is made available to as many towns in the country as possible. People in future will wonder what all the fuss was about.

The changes brought about by the CER have other considerable benefits. For the first time, there is a line going from east to west. Prior to this, the line was mainly confined to the south and the south west. The major advantage of this development is that under the new regulations and regime, towns in the midlands will benefit from receiving gas. This means gas will be received by many more towns. I hope that, in time, a comprehensive national network of gas will serve our towns. Such a network would act as a spur for further development.

Tá sé tábhachtach go leanfaimid leis an bpróiseas cúramach, ciallmhar atá ar bun. Tá sé tábhachtach freisin go dtiocfaidh an próiseas sin chun críche agus go dtabharfaimid an gás seo isteach. Nuair a dhéanfar chuile shórt de mheas, beidh sé mar bhuntáiste ag Maigh Eo, ag muintir an iarthair agus ag pobal na tíre ar fad go mbeidh gás nádúrtha aiceanta ó Éirinn ar fáil ag pobal na tíre. In am atá thar a bheith éiginnte, ceann de na bagairtí is mó romhainn ná éiginnteacht ó thaobh soláthairt. Réiteoidh gás na Coirbe cuid den fhadhb sin.

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