Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has to have a gas pipeline directed through Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. [25166/08]

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has to include Boyle, County Roscommon on the gas pipeline from the Corrib field; and when same are expected to come to fruition. [25167/08]

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the current position regarding plans to include Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim on the gas pipeline from the Corrib gas field. [25168/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 197, inclusive, together.

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. In 2006, CER directed Bord Gáis Éireann (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 town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.

BGÉ is carrying out a comprehensive review of towns being considered for connection to the national gas network. The review is being carried out in three phases, with Phase 3 of the study having commenced late last year. This Phase includes Boyle, Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen and Strokestown in County Roscommon and Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim. The final report is due to be published in late 2008 and it will outline what towns or groups of towns are economically viable for connection, within the revised connection policy criteria.