asked the Minister for Energy if any negotiations are taking place between Bord Gáis and Dundalk Gas Company with a view to a take-over on joint venture; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am informed by Bord Gáis Éireann that no discussions are currently taking place regarding a possible takeover or joint venture with Dundalk Gas Company. Such discussions, however, will take place in the context of the ERDF Border pipeline proposal.

The Minister recently announced that Kilkenny had now been approved for the supply of natural gas. In view of the fact that the present gas supply both in Kilkenny and Dundalk is supplied by the same company, may I take it that Dundalk will get immediate approval for a supply of natural gas?

As I said to the Deputy in relation to the availability of funds from the EC for the Border pipelines proposal, Dundalk will be given priority consideration.

With the ESB proposing to phase out their use of natural gas, will the Minister not agree that there is a need to expand gas usage in other areas? Taking into account the needs of energy-intensive industries such as Premier Periclase in Drogheda, will he agree that a supply of natural gas to Drogheda and Dundalk is an urgent necessity for the industrial and private consumers and for the development of the usage of natural gas?

The Deputy is making a very reasoned case for the availability of natural gas on the east coast, particularly in relation to the Louth area. I can assure him I will be working with that in mind when funds are available from the EC.

Will the Minister say when discussions are likely?

Discussions at official level in the EC are on-going and it would be reasonable to assume that within a matter of months there will be discussions between the relevant bodies. I can assure the Deputy it will get the priority he is seeking.