asked the Minister for Energy if he will ensure that the proposed national gas pipeline from Cork to Dublin will be routed through south Tipperary thereby serving the domestic and industrial needs of the community.

At my request Bord Gáis Éireann carried out a design, routing and costing study of a pipeline to supply the Dublin areas. I have just received the board's preliminary report and this will now have to be considered by my Department. Until such an assessment is completed I will not be in a position to indicate the route selected for the pipeline.

When will this report be published?

It will probably be published when the decision is made and announced about the route.

Would the Minister not agree that it might be more beneficial in deciding on the best route if the report is published and interested parties have an opportunity to comment on it?

My understanding is that it is intended to publish it at the time the decision is made. I will convey the Deputy's view on the matter to the Minister.