Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I accept the role of Gaslink in all of this. However, the Government and, in particular, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, have an obligation to fund Gaslink to enable it to expand the network. In regard to Athenry, there is currently a large volume of industry in the region and this is set to increase following the granting of the planning permission for the Apple project. There is also a strategic investment site earmarked for development by the IDA. Athenry is also a nodal point in Galway, with motorway and rail networks making it attractive to people seeking housing. I expect the population in Athenry to increase into the future, leading to a potential increase in the demand for natural gas. I would ask that consideration be given to my proposal that funds from the sale of the Bord Gáis energy division be allocated to the roll-out of natural gas in strategic locations across Ireland - Athenry, my home town, being one of them.