Six towns can be hooked up to the country's natural gas network within two years if there is a demand, Bord Gáis announced today.
Gort and Loughrea in Co Galway, Ballinrobe in Co Mayo, Cahir and Cashel in Co Tipperary and Monasterevin in Co Kildare have been earmarked for connection to the national pipeline.
But Bord Gáis has ruled out running natural gas into another ten towns, in the midlands and south east, as part of its review of a country-wide rollout.
The utility company will meet businesses and developers working in the towns that have been given the green light to ensure there is enough demand.
Abbeyleix, Mountmellick and Mountrath in Co Laois; Thurles in Co Tipperary; and Youghal in Co Cork failed to meet the criteria for connection.
Dungarvan in Co Waterford along with Wexford town, New Ross, Enniscorthy and Gorey in Co Wexford were also ruled out during this phase.
These towns will be kept under review, Bord Gáis said.