andS. Flynnasked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is still the intention of the E.S.B. to proceed with the erection of a coal-burning electric generating station in the Arigna area, as stated by him recently in Athlone; and, if so, if he will state what progress has been made on this project and why no reference was made to it in the statement published at the instance of the E.S.B. in the Dublin papers on 16th instant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arigna Electricity Station.
I would refer the Deputies to my speech on the occasion of the formal opening of Allenwood power station on the 15th October, in which I confirmed that the development programme of the E.S.B. includes the erection at Arigna of a coal-fired electricity station. The board are at present preparing the necessary plans with a view to ensuring that the construction of the station will be commenced at the earliest possible date. I am informed by the E.S.B. that their advertisement in the daily papers on the 16th October, in connection with the formal opening of the Allenwood turf-fired station, was designed to inform the public in regard to the board's plans for further turf-fired stations.
Would the Minister appeal to the board to expedite the carrying out of this work? That would have the effect of creating more employment in the area.
I have informed the Deputy that the board are at present preparing the necessary plans with a view to ensuring that the construction of the station will be commenced at the earliest possible date.