asked the Minister for Transport and Power if it is proposed to prepare a national fuel policy, having regard to the need to eliminate waste and to ensure the utmost use of native resources for the production of power and heat.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Fuel Policy.
19.
I issued a public statement on 17th November, 1970, indicating National Fuel Policy as follows:—
"National Fuel Policy is based on:—
(a) optimum development of indigenous energy sources;
(b) access to cheapest markets for imported energy sources;
(c) diversification of sources of energy supply;
(d) the promotion of economy in the use of fuels; and
(e) stockpiling against emergency situations."
The recent discovery of natural gas off the Old Head of Kinsale has suggested that there may be a further source of energy available to this country in addition to the traditional sources in the near future. What impact this discovery may have on the energy situation cannot be properly established until it is known whether gas is present in sufficient quantity for commercial exploitation. The possibilities for the utilisation of nuclear power in this country are also being fully investigated at present.
In regard to the utilisation of energy within the country, I have arranged for preliminary discussions between the ESB and the Dublin Gas Company to see whether co-operation between these undertakings would lead to economies particularly in the utilisation of scarce capital resources. Dependent on the result of these discussions, further similar meetings may be arranged.
In the light of the development indicated, my Department is keeping this whole situation under review.