andMr. Pattison asked the Minister for Transport and Power what proposals he has under consideration at present for the utilisation of surplus coal produced by the Arigna coal mines.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arigna Coal Production.
16.
The Arigna mine owners contracted to supply 45,000 tons a year to the ESB power station at Arigna, which was commissioned in October, 1958. The station, which has been working at the highest practicable load factor, has, however, been absorbing 50,000 tons or more a year. Last year, production at the mines rose to over 70,000 tons compared with an average production of about 60,000 tons a year in former years. I understand that the producers have experienced growing difficulties in disposing of the additional output commercially in competition with other fuels.
It is Government policy that native fuels should, to the utmost practicable extent, be given preference for use by all State and semi-State bodies and by all local authorities and institutions.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply which I gave to a question asked by Deputy Reynolds on 21st October, 1965, with regard to the further utilisation of Arigna coal for the generation of electricity.