asked the Minister for Energy when work on the gas pipeline extension to Drogheda and Dundalk, County Louth, will commence; if an application has been made for EC funding; the present position regarding any such application; if wayleave has been finalised with the farming community; if not completed, when it will be completed; and if he will indicate the line approximately where the pipeline will be laid; if industry generally has been consulted in the Dundalk and Drogheda area; the response to any such consultations; the present position regarding any negotiations that have taken place with Dundalk Gas Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A project programme covering the north east gas pipeline was submitted for consideration under EC Regulation 2619/80, as amended by Regulation 3637/85, in July 1987. The project programme, I understand will be considered at the next meeting of the EC Regional Fund Committee which is scheduled for 24 November 1987.

Subject to a favourable response from the ERDF and to the acquisition of way-leaves within the necessary timeframe I envisage that construction will commence in 1988 and be completed by the end of the year.

The proposed pipeline will run from Abbotstown, County Dublin, north eastwards to Ballough and from there northwards to Drogheda, Dunleer and Dundalk.

As part of the planning process for this project Bord Gáis Éireann have undertaken studies of the markets in the various sectors and discussions have been initiated with potential users. BGE have identified a total potential market along the route of the pipeline of just under 30 million therms per annum, the bulk of which is in the industrial sector.

Pending consideration of the project programme by the EC Regional Fund Committee, BGE have not entered into negotiations with the Dundalk Gas Company.