Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I request the Minister for Energy, Communications and Natural Resources to explore additional funding streams in order to provide for the roll-out of natural gas areas of strategic importance. Extending our gas network requires Government-level support and an obvious starting point would be to use some of the profits from the sale of the Bord Gáis energy division to bring gas to our smaller towns, providing for above-ground installation. This would go some way towards reducing our dependence on imported fuel and protecting our environment, which will be of much economic and social importance in the years ahead.

Natural gas is a clean, an efficient and a cheap alternative to fossil fuels and it helps to eradicate the scourge of fuel poverty for low-income families. Major multinationals, like pharmaceutical companies, for example, rely on gas lines, and from a foreign direct investment standpoint, access to gas networks makes Irish communities all the more attractive to those considering basing themselves here. As Ireland begins to rebuild after austerity, we need to do everything possible to attract corporate heavy hitters to our shores, and a well-serviced and widely available gas network could really assist with such endeavours.

As somebody based in Galway East, I take my home town of Athenry as an example. Putting Athenry on the gas network would not require major investment and it would reap many rewards for the locality, especially with Apple's arrival on the horizon. In the first instance, the work required would create short-term employment but local residents and businesses could enjoy the ease of having the option to use a gas network if they so desired. In light of the Apple announcement, demands for homes in my area is likely to rise, and being on the gas network would further increase that demand. The entire community, from small businesses to home owners and large corporations, stands to benefit, offering a major return on the initial investment. I certainly hope the Minister of State will pass this message to the line Minister. We should consider finding alternative revenue streams. For instance, we could get a portion of funds from the sale of the Bord Gáis energy division to ensure that places like Athenry and towns right across the island can access the gas network to the benefit of local citizens.