asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to the fact that An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission to the ESB for their proposed small scale hydro-electric scheme at Letterwest, Lettereast and Kealduff Upper, Kealduff Lower, Glenbeigh, County Kerry; if, having regard to this decision, he will open discussions with the ESB to ensure that all future proposed developments being contemplated by the board will have a new and heightened awareness for the environmental impact which such developments would have; if, following discussions with the board, he will have them publicly publish the new guidelines which they propose to apply to themselves in relation to the preparation of environmental impact statements for such developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Kerry Hydro-electric Scheme Proposal.
32.
I am aware that An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission to the ESB for its proposed small scale hydro-electric scheme in Glenbeigh, County Kerry. I am, however, satisfied that the ESB takes full account of the environmental impact of its developments when planning such schemes and that the implications of the Bord Pleanála decision will be fully assessed by the ESB. I do not accordingly see any reason to discuss a change of procedure with the ESB.