Just one in ten would change to natural gas

MAY 1988

ONLY one householder in ten in Dundalk would change to natural gas if it becomes available, a survey finds.

The survey is conducted by the Market Research Bureau of Ireland Ltd. (MRBI) on behalf of coal importers, Connick Cooper & O’Rourke Ltd. (CCO).

It is grim news for Dundalk Gas Company, fighting a bitter political battle for its very survival, and looking to natural gas as a life-line.

Deputy Brendan McGahon feels the company is ‘shabbily treated’ and that having provided assistance over the last two-and-a-half years by paying insurance premiums, the Government and Bórd Gáis is now abandoning the firm.

The survey, carried out between 14 and 24 March last, also includes households surrounding Dundalk and finds 94% use coal, either as their main source of heating or to supplement other systems, such as oil.

CCO admit they are delighted with the results and point out the survey is independent and that they have no input into setting the questions.

Of the 94% using coal, two-thirds have central heating, and of these, 25% fuel that system with oil.

Nine out of ten feel coal would always have a place in home heating and believe they receive a good service from the coalman.

Significantly, only one in ten feels that natural gas is safe, with solid fuel regarded as the safest and most reliable type of heating.

Meanwhile, talks continue with Dundalk Gas Company and the Department of Energy.

The department wants Bórd Gáis, who refuse to take over the company, to carry the cost of installing gas storage systems fuelled by LPG for the 1,300 consumers in the Dundalk area.

The bórd is considering the matter.