Natural Gas for Ardee
Kirk sought gas access to support industrial development and employment in Ardee. The Minister said extensions would depend on economic and technical feasibility, with unemployment considered and provision planned for pipeline offtakes.
asked the Minister for Energy if natural gas will be made available for industrial development in Ardee, County Louth.
Comment on this
It is my intention that the design of the north-eastern pipeline will include provision for offtakes at a number of points. However, the prospects and time-frame for extension of gas supply to viable demand centres and industries close to the pipeline will depend on the economic and technical feasibility of such projects.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware of the very serious unemployment problem that exists in the west Louth town of Ardee and the advantage that natural gas would be to the town for industrial promotion generally? Will he ensure that in the plans for the distribution of the natural gas, it will be made available to the town?
Comment on this
I am aware of the difficult unemployment situation in the Deputy's constituency. In the spirit of my reply to the Deputy that would be one of the overriding factors in relation to the development and expansion of the availability of natural gas. Obviously the fact that there will be provision for off-takes at a number of points to which the Deputy refers will be of significant interest in the development of County Louth.
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