In reply to a Parliamentary Question, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources informed Deputy Kitt that in 2006, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) approved a new network connections policy which enabled assessment of the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network.
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"The study included a review of the feasibility of connecting towns to the natural gas network in Galway/Mayo. The CER made the decision to allow Gaslink to extend the network to eleven of these towns, including Athenry.
"The gas network has been extended to seven of these towns and work is progressing on the development of the network to Tuam.
"Work is on-going to secure economic loads in the three remaining towns; Athenry, Knock and Ballyhaunis, prior to the commencement of construction.
"However, Minister Rabbitte has confirmed that, to date, the projected loads are insufficient to justify commencement of construction. This is hugely disappointing and I would urge Minister Rabbitte to make the provision of a gas network for Athenry a priority."
(CD/JP)
