John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to share time with Senator Jimmy Harte.

I welcome the Minister to the House and support the Bill. I propose to deviate slightly in saying a few words and asking some questions. I welcomed the Corrib gas project when it commenced some years ago on the basis that it provided an opportunity for development in a rural area. Despite my best efforts and the endeavours of others, Bord Gáis has not been convinced of the case for bringing natural gas to towns such as Charlestown, Swinford, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Boyle, Roscommon and Carrick-on-Shannon. Although we made a very good business case to the company, it took the view that population numbers were the issue. When we argued that Bord Gáis was overlooking the fact that Shannonside co-operative in my home town of Ballaghaderreen uses more electricity than the town of Castlebar, the company refused to accept the logic of providing natural gas to the town.

I was recently informed by business owners in Carrick-on-Shannon that a natural gas supply to the town would save businesses €7 million per annum. As the Minister is aware, businesses in rural areas are dying and need a lift. Addressing energy costs would change their financial position. While I appreciate that 50% of the revenue generated from the sale of State assets will be directed towards job creation, jobs would also be created by establishing a natural gas supply in the towns to which I referred.

Does the Minister have the power or is he able to influence Bord Gáis Energy to the extent that the company would revisit some of the decisions it has made and consider providing natural gas to the towns to which I referred, in particular, Ballaghaderreen where the Shannonside co-operative is located. I fear that Bord Gáis Energy and EirGrid are similar companies in that they will engage in consultation processes that are little more than tick-boxing exercises and do not heed submissions. They certainly do not appear to take on board any of the submissions they receive.

We have discussed wind energy and the public consultation process in which companies in that sector engaged. Their consultation is done and dusted and deals have been made with farmers. It is too late to address the issue. Notwithstanding that, I welcome the Minister's recent statement on wind energy and I hope the wind energy companies and EirGrid will pay greater heed to people who have genuine concerns.