Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the feasibility studies which have been carried out by the Government with a view to providing natural gas from the Corrib field to other towns in Mayo and Sligo; the stage of such evaluations and examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3951/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The regulation of the gas market is delegated to the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. It is open to any intending supplier of gas to any town to apply to the CER for consent to lay the necessary pipe work, and for a licence to supply natural gas. The CER must be satisfied that a proposal to extend the natural gas distribution network is an economic proposition before it will grant consent for it, as otherwise uneconomic projects will increase costs for all energy consumers. As the Deputy will be aware, the CER has recently engaged in a public consultation process on proposed changes to gas connection policy and charges. The proposed changes would bring significant benefits, including encouraging the connection of new loads to the network where such connection is economically feasible in the longer term.

In line with a long-standing commitment, a feasibility study will be done to assess the potential for bringing gas to Donegal town and I hope to make an announcement shortly on the terms of reference for such a review.