Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has had discussions with An Bord Gáis with a view to the further extension of the gas pipeline throughout the western and mid-western region with particular reference to achieving maximum availability throughout the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39204/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Since 2002, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is a statutory independent body, has been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002.

The construction by Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) of a natural gas transmission pipeline, known as the Mayo-Galway Pipeline, has recently been completed. The pipeline is one part of the infrastructure required to transport natural gas from the Corrib gas-field to the national gas network.

Earlier this year the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) directed BGÉ to implement a new Gas Connections Policy, which determines the economic viability of connecting towns to the gas network. The new policy allows for the appraisal of a new town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns. Having regard to this new policy, BGÉ carried out a comprehensive review of towns being considered for connection to the national gas network. The review is being conducted in two phases, and phase 1, which covers the towns in the proximity of the Mayo-Galway Pipeline, has already been completed.

Following consideration of this phase of the review, the CER made the decision to allow Bord Gáis to extend the natural gas network to eleven towns along the route of its Mayo-Galway gas transmission pipeline. The towns to be connected to the network are Athenry, Craughwell, Headford, and Tuam in Co. Galway and Ballina, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, Claremorris, Crossmolina, Knock and Westport in Co. Mayo, and it is hoped that some of these can be connected by the end of 2007.

Bord Gáis is continuing its evaluation of the viability of extending the gas network elsewhere to towns in other parts of the country, including the mid-west, with a view to completing its review by July, 2007. Following completion of this study, the CER will consider whether other towns with an economically viable case may be connected. While I have not had direct discussions with BGE in the matter, my Department is kept regularly apprised by both the CER and Bord Gáis as to the progress of this review, and with regard to any decisions made.

A map which shows each of the towns to be examined in phase 2 of the review is available on Bord Gáis's website www.bge.ie, as well as details of all issues which went into its consideration of towns considered under phase 1.

My Department has also engaged consultants for a Gas to the Northwest Study, in the context of the Government's objective for regional policy in the National Development Plan and having regard to the National Spatial Strategy.

The scope of this study is firstly, to determine the feasibility of bringing gas from the Mayo-Galway pipeline to Donegal Town via Sligo, considering three specified alternative routes; secondly, to examine and assess options for and issues surrounding the development of gas-fired power generation along the pipeline routes; and finally, to present options for the provision of gas pipeline infrastructure and gas-fired power generation, with recommendations as to how best the options may be pursued. The study is scheduled for completion in January 2007.