NIAER invites views on the proposal to incorporate the South/North gas pipeline into the N.I. Gas

The Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (the Authority) today launches a consultation paper entitled “Incorporating the South North Pipeline into the Northern Ireland Gas Transmission Regime.” The paper sets out the issue raised by the introduction of a new entry point to the Northern Ireland gas network at Gormanstown, Co. Meath in October 2006, thus requiring a revamped operational system in Northern Ireland. The paper highlights a number of options and seeks views and observations. The paper can be viewed by clicking HERE or alternatively a paper copy can be obtained from Brian Mc Hugh by contacting him in writing at Ofreg, Brookmount Buildings, 42 Fountain Street, Belfast, BT1 5EE ,by telephone 028 9031 1575 or by Fax. 028 9031 1740 or by email to brian.mchugh@ofregni.gov.uk.

Copies of the paper will be made available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and a variety of relevant minority languages if required.

Views/comments from interested parties should be forwarded to Brian Mc Hugh by any of the above methods but preferably by e-mail to arrive not later than 23 August 2005.

Please indicate if you do not wish your reply to be published.

Notes for Editors

OFREG (the Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas) supports the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (NIAER) the regulator of the Electricity and Gas industries in Northern Ireland. NIAER’s powers are derived from the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992, the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 both as amended by the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.

For further information contact Terry McErlane at Weber Shandwick Telephone 028 90761007 or 07770886911