I ask the Taoiseach for an update on a proposal to extend the gas pipeline to Longford town from Ballymahon, where it currently services Center Parcs, under the climate change action plan. The council has made a submission for the extension to Longford town under the climate action plan and it is currently being reviewed. Local employers, including Panelto and Birds Eye, are keen to see it progressed as they are reviewing their energy usage and have plans for further development at their site. There are also imminent further expansions for both Technimark and Abbott Diagnostics in the immediate area, so it is timely and appropriate that the gas pipeline be extended to Longford town.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I understand the importance in respect of Longford and the major frozen food facilities there. I will talk to Gas Networks Ireland and engage with it. Obviously, in the first instance, the routing of natural gas pipelines or the connections to towns is its responsibility and that of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, but the Deputy has made a very fair point. We will pursue that.