Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The development and expansion of the natural gas network is, in the first instance, a commercial matter for Bord Gáis Éireann, BGE, which is mandated under section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain a system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient. The Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, which is a statutory, independent body, has, since 2002, been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and-or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no direct statutory function in the connection of towns to the gas network.

The CER in 2006 approved a new network connections policy, which created the opportunity to reassess the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be satisfied as a prerequisite. This is to ensure that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the actual consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. The policy allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.

In this context, BGE is carrying out a comprehensive assessment of towns not already connected to the national gas network. I am advised that Ballina and Newport in north Tipperary are already connected to the natural gas network. Nenagh, Roscrea and Thurles are included in a total of 42 towns being examined as part of phase three of this assessment, which is scheduled for completion in April this year. BGE's final report will outline which towns or groups of towns would be economically viable for connection, within the revised connection policy criteria. In the event that the appraisal indicates that Nenagh, Roscrea or Thurles are viable for connection, I am advised that it may be possible to assess additional towns in close proximity in that context.

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