asked the Minister for Transport and Power what plans there are for the production of electricity from nuclear power in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity from Nuclear Power.
7.
I repeat for the Deputy's information a reply to a question on this subject which I gave earlier as follows:
The possibilities of nuclear power for electricity generation are under review by the Electricity Supply Board. The Board advise me that the cost of nuclear energy generating plants, depending on their size and type, can be two or three times greater than that of conventional plants using coal or oil. Because of the high capital cost, a nuclear generating plant requires to be run at full load for the major part of the year, day and night, in order to produce electricity economically. In this country there is relatively little three-shift industry giving rise to a continuous 24 hour demand for electricity. Furthermore, in accordance with Government policy the Board's hydro and native fuel stations are given priority. The balance of the base load to be supplied otherwise is not expected to be large enough to support a nuclear powered station for several years.
What is the date of that reply, please?
8th March, 1966.