Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the chance to speak about Bord Gáis and pay tribute to its management and staff on the handling of the Gaswest project. I have been listening to comments, including those of Deputy Tom Hayes, on the need for gas in various counties. We are lucky that the Gaswest project is providing gas to 12 towns in Mayo and Galway. The management of the project on the part of John Mullins and his team has been extremely professional. The impact of the project has been minimised through proactive working relationships with local authorities, both officials and elected members, and with various business organisations in the area. The project is an example to other State organisations of how to roll out complicated infrastructure.

The Gaswest project depends on the passage of this Bill. It involves an investment of €40 million in 12 towns in Mayo and Galway, thus enhancing our economic potential and offering businesses and domestic users a choice in a very competitive fuel market. Given the increases in fuel prices in the past two years, piped natural gas is important to the region.

The Gaswest project would not be possible without bringing the Corrib gas ashore. I welcome the initiative of the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Ryan, in setting up the north-west Mayo forum. I appeal to everybody to use this forum to air their differences and concerns regarding the project, thereby allowing us to reach agreement and complete the project as soon as possible.

The Gaswest project is being rolled out but there are outstanding applications with the regulator and Bord Gáis from various towns in the area. I speak on behalf of the east Mayo towns of Swinford, Foxford, Kiltimagh, Ballaghaderreen and Charlestown, all of which serve a key economic area in the country and are being outpaced by gas developments in adjoining towns. This area of Mayo is home to Ireland West Airport Knock, which has the potential to be an enormous driver of industry in the area in the coming years. A gas supply would be a key element in finally allowing the airport to fulfil its potential.

There is an outstanding gas application from Belmullet, the capital town of Erris. It is the home to the Corrib gas field and also to all the controversy and trouble associated therewith. There is thriving industry in Belmullet but recognition should be accorded to the difficulties that have been faced in the area. I hope this matter can be addressed by the forum and the regulator in the coming weeks and months.

The operations of Bord Gáis and its embracing of new alternative energies in recent years serve as an example to other companies. We are lucky that both Bord Gáis and the ESB, our two main power and energy companies, are embracing the need to change their methods of business to respond to the challenges of climate change, and to consumer demand as consumers become educated on climate change and alternative energy.

The investment flagged in this Bill will allow Bord Gáis to further its work in this area and increase the options available to its consumers to provide energy-efficient and energy-friendly products. The board of Bord Gáis was appointed by the Minister. Credit is due to it on its foresight in respect of the advancement of the company in recent years. It has been transformed from a single-utility operation into an energy company that not only provides gas but also provides electricity. When considering this Bill, it is timely and appropriate for the House to acknowledge this transformation.

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