asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it has been decided by the Electricity Supply Board to erect a hydro-electric plant at Gweedore, County Donegal, to serve the Gaeltacht and congested parishes of Cloghaneely, Gweedore and the Rosses; and, if so, if he will state when work on this scheme is likely to commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Hydro-Electric Scheme.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the question of erecting a hydro-electric generating station at Gweedore, County Donegal, has been under examination by the board for some time past, but it is not possible at this stage to indicate when a decision will be taken.
As this matter has been under consideration for seven or eight years, would not the Minister consider that it is about time that some decision was given?
A number of tests have to be made and a very searching, lengthy examination has been made. If this examination is going on, as the Deputy implies, for seven years, it is merely evidence of the thoroughness of the examination.
If it goes on for another seven years, will it not be more thorough?
It will be more thorough.