asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if he will arrange in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Office, to have the tidal flow between Greencastle and Magilligan at the mouth of Lough Foyle surveyed to determine the potential for generating electricity and to have a similar survey carried out on the tidal flows at the entry to Mulroy Bay, County Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Republic-Northern Ireland Electricity Generation.
21.
Research in other countries has established the basic conditions that are necessary in order to exploit tidal flows for electricity generating purposes. A relatively large tidal range is essential for a tidal power project to be a commercial success. Ireland is not favourably situated in this respect, having a spring tidal range of a maximum of 4.5 metres in the most favourable sites, and considerably less than that for the greater part of the coastline.
The only full-scale tidal plant in existence is at La Rance in France, where the mean spring tidal range is 11.4 metres. While technically successful, this scheme is not fully economic.
In Canada, a project is under consideration in the Bay of Fundy where the mean spring tidal range varies from 13.3 metres to 16.2 metres. This is the order of the tidal range required for this type of electricity generation.
The tidal ranges in Lough Foyle and Mulroy Bay have been surveyed as being considerably below the viable levels for electricity generation.
In the context of the current and foreseen energy supply situation I am, of course, keeping the whole question of research and development into alternative energy sources under review. If evidence can be adduced that tidal flows at any of our estuaries, including those mentioned by the Deputy, are such as to warrant their further consideration for electricity generation purposes I would be prepared to consider the Deputy's suggestion.