Jimmy Devins (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The people in counties Sligo and Leitrim have as much right as anyone to the benefits of gas, be it for industrial or domestic use. Connecting with the gas supply in Northern Ireland via a western connector will ensure that the people closest to the Corrib gas field will have the same benefits as those living along the east coast. It is only right and proper that businesses in such towns as Sligo, Manorhamilton, Tubbercurry, Ballymote and Ballina are able to avail of gas as an energy source if they so wish, which businesses elsewhere in this country can do. We are all citizens of the same State and Bord Gáis must recognise this fact and put in place a gas pipe supply network to the north west. I commend the Minister's amendment to the House.

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