asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the Nuclear Energy Board have recommended the establishment of a nuclear power station; and, if so, where it will be located.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Power Station.
15.
In November last the Government decided in principle that the ESB should proceed with proposals for the construction of a nuclear power station. The choice of a site is primarily a matter for the ESB but will be subject to approval by the Government acting on the advice of the Nuclear Energy Board. No recommendation in the matter has yet been made by the Nuclear Energy Board.
Is the Minister aware that according to Press reports the ESB have options on land in a particular location?
Yes, the ESB preference is for a site at Carnsore Point, County Wexford. The Government will act on the advice of the Nuclear Energy Board to whom the ESB have applied for licence to develop this site.
Do I understand the Minister to say that the ESB have decided that Carnsore Point should be the site——
No, I said the Government will decide. The ESB preference is for the site at Carnsore Point.
Is it in order for the ESB to presuppose both the Nuclear Energy Board and Government decisions and take options on land in a given area?
It is, because the Government have instructed the ESB to go ahead with the erection of a nuclear power station. They have examined a number of sites, but the final decision will be taken by the Government on the advice of the Nuclear Energy Board.
Regardless of the fact that the Nuclear Energy Board or the Government have not yet made a decision, is it true that the ESB have decided where the nuclear power station will be?
No.
But that is what the Minister is saying.
It is not. There are three parts to this. The ESB have a preference for the site at Carnsore Point, County Wexford. The Nuclear Energy Board will make a decision and then advise the Government who will take other considerations into account before making the final decision.
Is the location at Easkey, County Sligo, still being considered by the Nuclear Energy Board and the Government as the site for the nuclear power station?
Easkey was one of the five sites originally thought to be suitable for the erection of the nuclear power station.
Question No. 16.
Is it still being considered?
Every site is still being considered until the Government make a final decision.