Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

It will facilitate the improvement of the region's infrastructure and increase local employment, in both the short and long term. The development will also increase Ireland's security of supply by providing a reliable, secure and indigenous source of gas. The recent decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation to extend the natural gas network to 11 towns along the route of its Mayo-Galway transmission pipeline is very welcome in this regard. Athenry, Craughwell, Headford and Tuam in County Galway and Ballina, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, Claremorris, Crossmolina, Knock and Westport in County Mayo will all benefit from new gas connections. This has been made possible because of work undertaken by Bord Gáis in anticipation of landing gas from Corrib and introducing it into the gas transmission network.

In conclusion, I assure the House, on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, that the Corrib has been a high priority, particularly over the past 18 months. He has listened carefully to the concerns of the local community, particularly with regard to safety issues, and has responded to those concerns, as I have outlined, with the help of appropriate independent bodies and individuals.

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