asked the Minister for Energy if he has assessed the present potential of development of private hydro-electricity generation; and if he has proposals to develop this activity.
Written Answers. - Hydro-electricity Generation.
24.
A hydro-electric resource survey has been carried out on behalf of my Department and all sites considered suitable for development have been identified. The survey was carried out by the Electricity Supply Board who had responsibility for site assessment and by An Foras Forbartha who carried out the hydrological analysis. A report on the findings of the survey was co-ordinated by the then National Board for Science and Technology (now Eolas) and was published by my Department in October 1985. It is entitled "Small-Scale Hydro-Electric Potential of Ireland", and is available from my Department, at a cost of £10 plus postage. A guide to the development of small hydro schemes has also been published.
I have no specific plans at present to develop small scale private hydro schemes but I have taken steps to ensure that the criteria laid down by the Jacobsen report will be observed.