asked the Minister for Energy if he will examine the possibility of utilising natural gas for fruit and vegetable growing.

6.

asked the Minister for Energy if he is aware of the considerable potential that exists for the development of the horticultural industry along the east coast with the advent of natural gas; and if he will ensure that it is made available to the industry.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.

Bord Gáis Éireann are currently examining the feasibility of using natural gas as a fuel source for the market gardening and horticultural industry in north County Dublin. The prospects for supplying natural gas to the industry in this area will be assessed in the light of this study, the results of which should be available shortly. If growers in other locations within pipeline catchment areas have projects in mind, they should communicate with Bord Gáis Éireann.

Would the Minister agree that we are not fully utilising the gas supply? The Dutch have monopolised the European market due to the availability of natural gas. We have hundreds of acres of unheated glasshouses which are in use for only a few months each year. We are importing about 8,000 tonnes of tomatoes and there is a market in Northern Ireland for another 6,000 tonnes. There is massive employment potential and it is regrettable that investigations have not been carried out in view of the benefits of import substitution in the field of horticulture.

I am trying to be helpful to the Deputy. I have stated that the study is about to be completed. It would be short-sighted to undertake distribution without having full studies carried out. There is obviously an area in the greenhouse belt of north County Dublin, a substantial load region, which would be quite suitable. Other regions will also be looked at. It is important to have the homework done before we carry out the distribution of the gas supply. I accept what the Deputy says about the full utilisation of the available supply.

Recognising that the Minister has said there is considerable potential for job creation in this area, it must be pointed out that an important aspect is the price at which the gas would be made available. Would the Minister give an undertaking to supply gas at a price which would allow the glasshouse industry to become properly established again and expand so as to achieve the maximum job creation?

The intention would be where possible to ensure that the gas supply would be made available at competitive prices.

Why is it necessary to have a feasibility study as to suitability of natural gas for horticultural purposes when it is well known in every country in Europe which has natural gas that it is extremely suitable for these purposes?

Many aspects of this possible project must be looked at, including the distribution of users, existing fuel usage, suitability for conversion of equipment at present in use, the question of efficiency and the potential fuel use at higher efficiency levels. There is justification for having a study carried out because in time I would rather see the project being successful. The study will be completed shortly and we can then get on with the project.

The Minister referred to north County Dublin growers. How soon does he think this supply might be available to them? It is vital to their continued existence.

It is difficult to put a time-scale on it. I am fully aware of the concern which has been voiced by the growers, given the existing systems which have been shown to be inefficient and costly. We will move with all possible haste in bringing this forward.

Would that mean this year or next year.

Given that the pipeline is not completed, we are probably talking about next year.

7.