Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will convey the Senator's message to the Minister. However, I must reiterate the importance of strategic decision-making. Athenry, Craughwell, Headford and Tuam in County Galway and Ballina, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, Claremorris, Crossmolina, Knock and Westport in County Mayo were included in phase 1. Construction on this €40 million project has been completed and the towns of Craughwell, Tuam and Headford in County Galway and Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris and Westport in County Mayo have been connected to the gas network. The Senator will be aware that connection in respect of the three remaining towns of Athenry, Ballyhaunis and Knock is uncertain, which is the reason she has raised this issue today. I am sure the representative bodies from Athenry have made representations regarding existing industry and potential future industry in the region to the consultation process. The report of this process, commissioned by the Commission for Energy Regulation, is awaited. Official statutory responsibility for these matters was given, via legislation, to the Commission for Energy Regulation in 2006. The commission has a responsibility to decide which towns have sufficient demand and ensure that decisions made are economic and strategic. If we bring gas into towns where it does not make economic sense to do so, we are into a situation where there will be additional costs for consumers. Those are the mitigating factors. I take the Senator's point, however, that if extra moneys were available, there would be scope to balance the demand versus supply issue. I will convey that message to the Minister.