Gas network locations under the programme
Leonard questioned why Bord Gáis advertisements replaced Dundalk with Waterford as a proposed gas network location and asked whether the departments had input into that choice. Bruton disclaimed responsibility for the advertisements, and the Chair said the issue appeared to concern the Minister for Energy.
Is the Minister aware that in March An Bord Gáis Éireann in an advertisement headed, "Who Turned on the Gas" indicated that there would be gas networks in Clonmel, Limerick and Dundalk? In more recent advertisements they omitted Dundalk and substituted Waterford. This give the people in that region grave cause for concern that there may be a change at Department level or at Bord Gáis level. Can the Minister explain that?
Comment on this
It may be, but if money is being allocated under EC regulations, as I stated, and administered by the Government, can a body such as Bord Gáis Éireann change at a whim the areas in which they proposed——
Comment on this
Will Deputy Leonard please give way to the Chair? The Minister has said he has no responsibility and it would appear that, if anybody is responsible, it is the Minister for Energy, not the Minister for Finance.
Comment on this
This is a joint project between the Department of Energy and the Department of Finance. I take it that the Department of Finance have a substantial input into the project. Because of this they should at least know where the gas line is going to and whether it is to Waterford or Dundalk.