Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and thank him for introducing the Gas Regulation Bill in this House. It is encouraging that the Bill proposes to sell Bord Gáis Éireann's supply business while retaining the network. That is a wise move by the Government and shows we learned much from the experience with Aer Lingus of the strategic ownership of the terminal versus selling the business.

I understand the Bord Gáis Éireann has completed a feasibility study to bring gas to Ballinasloe, Claregalway, Craughwell, Galway city, Gort, Headford, Loughrea and Oranmore in the proximity of the Mayo-Galway pipeline. I live in Oranmore and checked out where this is going. It is going part of the way up the Maree Road in Oranmore and stopping there. In addition, the proposal leaves out Clarinbridge. While this may seem very parochial, these homes are paying the same property taxes and development charges. I ask the Minister to ensure that the area is fully covered. It will be very valuable for any home that can have it, as it results in an annual saving of about €485 per house. We know it is much cleaner than oil and is better for the environment.

Shop Street, the main shopping street in Galway city will not be connected even though the network will serve Galway city. I ask the Minister to investigate those anomalies. Why would the gas network line not finish out complete areas?

Sometimes people feel hard done by and issues like this point to that. It is almost like discrimination or apartheid halfway down a road. I put it to the Minister that it is a big deal to sell off what some call the family silver. Therefore, when we do it, let us do it right and let us be fair to all the people in an area. For example, in the west coast of Galway, to which I have referred, considerable areas are being covered and that is welcome but other areas are being left out. What is the Government policy? Why is that happening?

I thank the Minister.