Brian O'Shea
Question:123 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has to ensure an adequate supply of electricity in west Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18273/00]
Vol. 522 No. 2
123 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has to ensure an adequate supply of electricity in west Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18273/00]
The supply of electricity and the adequacy of such supply to any particular county including the west Waterford area is currently a day-to-day operational matter for ESB and one in which I have no function.
The existence and quality of the transmission and distribution network is what determines the quality of the supply of electricity.
I have been informed by ESB that since 1997 they have invested £4 million in upgrading the medium and low voltage networks in the greater Waterford area.
ESB have plans under way to put in place a 220kV development in west Waterford to reinforce the high voltage networks in the area. This investment is necessary to maintain adequate supplies to farming, commercial and industrial customers and to permit continued growth in the area. The budget is currently being finalised and it is expected that it will be a multi-million pound investment in west Waterford.
The proposed investment is part of the ESB capital programme for the next five years involving an overall investment in the region of £2 billion, the bulk of which will be dedicated to the enhancement of the electricity network generally.
124 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has received any communication from a company (details supplied) as to their reasons for selling the new peat powered electricity generating station at Edenderry, County Offaly. [18426/00]
125 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if a company (details supplied) have given her an assurance that the plant will open for production of electricity on schedule and that the company will obtain a guarantee from any proposed purchaser of this new station that they will purchase peat from Bord na Móna on the terms already agreed between that company and Bord na Móna. [18427/00]
126 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the total amount of grant-aid paid from the European Union and any other grants paid to a company (details supplied) towards the cost of building the new peat powered electricity generating station. [18428/00]
127 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to reports which stated that a company (details supplied) have arrived at a valuation figure of £35 million sterling for the new station; and if, in view of the fact that the station cost approximately £120 million to erect and build, the Government would consider entering into a joint venture with some Irish company for the purchase of this new station. [18429/00]
128 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the view of the Government and their approach to the proposed sale of the new peat powered generating station. [18430/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 to 128, inclusive, together.
I received an advance copy of the press statement and a letter from the chairman of Fortum about their intention to divest of their power generation assets in Ireland and the UK. I am informed that following an indepth review of their corporate strategy Fortum are now refocusing their activities in the Nordic and Baltic Rim countries.
Clearly the divestment as announced will take some time to arrange. In the meantime, Fortum intend to complete construction and commence commercial operation; it is currently five months ahead of schedule. The project is being carried out by Edenderry Power Limited, a subsidiary of Fortum, and the 15 year peat supply contract is with that company and is thus directly linked to the power station. Fortum intend to continue to operate and maintain the plant after divestment.