asked the Minister for Transport and Power the effect, if any, the discovery of natural gas off Kinsale will have on his announced proposals to establish a nuclear energy station.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Energy Policy.
25.
The discovery of natural gas off Kinsale is one of the factors which the Government will take into consideration before finally deciding if and when a nuclear power station should be built.
26.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the consideration he has given to the environmental aspects of his energy policy.
Environmental considerations are continually borne in mind in consultation with the agencies concerned. In respect to particular proposals such as the erection of a generating station, the provisions of the planning Acts apply.
As a member of the European Communities, this country will benefit from research at present being carried out into the environmental aspects of energy production.
27.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the Government have taken any steps to find new energy sources.
Licences have been granted by the Minister for Industry and Commerce to a number of commercial undertakings for prospecting for oil and natural gas in the State and in the off-shore areas. In addition, as a member state of the European Communities, this country participates indirectly in the efforts being made under Community auspices to develop new sources of energy.