andMr. Kelly asked the Minister for Energy his plans for the exploitation of Ireland's remaining coal reserves in view of the increased price of oil.
Written Answers. - Coal Reserves Exploitation.
374.
There are a number of active mining operations in parts of the Leinster, Connacht and Slieveardagh coalfields at present and I am considering approaches from interested parties for facilities to develop other parts of the coalfields which are not being worked at the present time. I have commissioned a leading consultancy firm to carry out a study of the coalfields in order to up-date knowledge of the extent and nature of economically workable reserves and to facilitate decisions as to how these reserves can best be exploited.
I have also given approval in principle for the construction at Arigna of a 45 megawatt power station which will use the fluidised bed combustion technique. This will enable the low quality "crow" coal of which there are considerable quantities at Arigna, to be utilised.