asked the Minister for Industry and Energy when the gas from the Kinsale field will be available in Dublin and Belfast.

If the project proceeds as planned, natural gas should be available in Dublin in 1983.

Progress on the general utilisation of gas in the Dublin area will be governed by a number of considerations including, in particular, the ability of the Dublin Gas Company to distribute the gas safely and economically. Planning for this purpose is in progress and in this regard the implementation of the recently concluded comprehensive works agreement will be a critical factor.

The date of availability of natural gas in Belfast will depend on agreement being reached in negotiations on the terms of a contract to supply gas there.