asked the Minister for Energy if he has noted the recommendation contained in the EEC development plan for Border areas that spurs be extended from the Dublin-Belfast natural gas main to Monaghan and Armagh; and if so, the provision he has made for that extension in talks with the Northern authorities.

I have noted the recommendation in the EEC's Economic and Social Committee report in regard to spur-lines in the north-east region including Monaghan. It is my intention that the design of the proposed Northern pipeline will include provision for offtakes at a number of points.

However, the prospects and time-frame for extensions to viable demand centres close to the pipeline will, as is recommended in the EEC report, depend on the economic and technical feasibility of such projects, as well as on overall strategies relating to the depletion of the gas reservoir. The question of supply for Armagh is, of course, a matter for the Northern Ireland authorities.

Has there been a study conducted of the potential of that area for supplies? Would the Minister not agree that that EEC report recommended that natural gas was essential for the development of that region?

I can assure the Deputy that in the time-frame and within the overall policy relating to the utilisation of gas all considerations in that area as well as in the remainder of the country — all areas close to the spur-line — will be taken into account.

Would the Minister agree that, in regard to the roads plan and some others, seemingly the EEC were content on going up along the east coast and across to Derry. Would the Minister not agree that this should be closely investigated to ensure that that would not be the trend in regard to this gas pipeline? That was the trend in the roads development plan and did not at all recognise the central part of Ulster or the north-eastern area.

I was trying to assure the Deputy that we will be taking into account the central part of the country. Obviously the initial design is for the pipeline to go on to Belfast with a projected pipeline on to Derry. Given that further studies must be undertaken I can assure the Deputy that we will ensure that all parts of the country where there is usage for the gas will be given full consideration.

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