asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the Government have any plans for a hydro-electric scheme which would increase the output of electricity before next winter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hydro-Electric Developments.
No proposals have been submitted to me or to the Government for a hydro-electric scheme which would increase the output of electricity before next winter, nor do I think that in present circumstances any such are likely to be forthcoming. As explained to the House during the debate on the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill, 1940, the collection of the hydrometric data necessary for the formulation of a proposal for the hydro-electric development of a large river and the further time required for the preparation of necessary detailed plans and for the construction of the works, even in normal times, would occupy several years. Prior to the outbreak of the war the Electricity Supply Board had formulated proposals and prepared plans both for the hydro and steam plant extensions, which it was anticipated would meet our increasing demands for electricity at least until 1942. Among these were the Poulaphouca scheme and the scheme for a peat fuel steam-driven station at Portarlington. The outbreak of the present European War and the consequent difficulties in securing large units of plant, practically all of which must be obtained from abroad, has impeded the fulfilment of these plans as it would have done and will do in regard to any other proposals for large-scale electrical developments here. The Poulaphouca scheme is, however, nearing completion, and if certain equipment is obtainable in the near future it should be possible to have this scheme in partial operation by the coming winter.
The investigation of the Erne is in progress, as is also the possibility of the development of some smaller rivers, but for the technical reasons which I explained in considerable detail during the debate on the Bill to which I have referred, the next extension of generating plant should take the form of steam-driven plant.
In connection with the difficulty of securing the necessary machinery to bring the Poulaphouca scheme to partial completion, will the Minister consider the desirability of availing of any shipping space we may have from America, to bring machinery thence, if it can be obtained there instead of other articles that might at first glance appear to be more urgent?
I am afraid that is not possible, for the reason that the components of plant being awaited had to be specially designed for that which is already fixed on the site, and they are in course of manufacture elsewhere.
That is all right.