asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce (a) when the E.S.B. expect to have the new generating station at Screebe in operation, (b) what is the estimated cost of the station, (c) what practical steps have been taken by the board to ensure that a supply of hand-won turf will be available when the station is ready for operation, and (d) whether he is aware that the majority of the people have no access to the bogs in the area, and, if so, what steps are being taken to provide the necessary roads.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Connemara Generating Station.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that under present arrangements the station is expected to be in operation in the summer of 1956 and that the estimated cost of the station is £400,000. I am also informed that in April, 1955, the board inserted advertisements in local papers inviting offers of hand-won turf of the 1955 crop for the station, and that posters were affixed in areas from which there was any likelihood of turf supplies being available.
The position with regard to road works is that a sum of £7,500 has been allocated from the National Development Fund to the Galway County Council for the repair of county roads in the area of the station. Consideration will be given, if necessary, to any road works required in the bogs from which turf supplies will be drawn.