asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline his plans for bringing natural gas to the dairy co-operatives in the Cork region; the names of the co-opertives to be serviced; and the timescale involved.

A supply of natural gas to Limerick was approved by the Government on 22 October 1985. As well as a pipeline to Limerick city, the project approved by the Government also provides for a supply of natural gas to three dairy co-operatives en route, that is, Mitchelstown Co-op, Ballyclough Co-op in Mallow, and Golden Vale Co-op in Rathluirc, County Cork. Construction of pipelines to supply the three co-operatives is expected to be completed in the second half of 1986.

I am sure the Minister is aware that there are also a number of co-operatives in the western part of County Cork. Has he any plans for the extension of a supply of natural gas to those co-operatives?

I cannot tell if there are any plans at present, but if those co-ops are having discussions with Bord Gáis Éireann, we will try to expedite the negotiations and discussions, as we have done in the case of the three co-opertives mentioned.