269 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his plans for the extension of the natural gas pipeline to the west will include Sligo town; the cost benefit analysis, if any, which has been carried out in respect of such an extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6479/97]

272 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if an application has been made for EU funding for the extension of the natural gas grid; and the areas covered by this application. [6556/97]

273 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, his Department has to extend the natural gas grid to counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Mayo and Roscommon. [6557/97]

275 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will have arrangements made with An Bord Gáis to extend the natural gas grid to north Kerry. [6683/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 269, 272, 273 and 275 together.

I am anxious that other areas of the country should have the same choice of energy sources as those now served by the gas network. Accordingly, I asked Bord Gáis to carry out a detailed investigation of the possibility of a major extension of the network. I am considering the board's report on the study and I am having discussions with Bord Gáis in that regard. No application has been made for EU funding for this purpose. No funds have been allocated for gas network extensions under the 1994-99 economic infrastructure operational programme. EU funding for energy projects under the trans-European energy networks programme are provided mainly for preparatory and feasibility studies and in only exceptional circumstances would the European Commission consider applications for such funding for investment costs.