asked the Minister for Energy the present position regarding the future of the 5MW peat generating stations in the western counties; the numbers still operating; and the future prospects of each station with particular reference to the Gweedore generating station, County Donegal.
Written Answers. - ESB Peat Generating Stations.
78.
The three 5MW sod peat stations at Gweedore, County Donegal, Cahirciveen, County Kerry and Screebe, County Galway are still operating. Operations at Gweedore and Cahirciveen will continue as long as adequate supplies of peat are available and provided no major investment in plant is required.
In the case of Screebe I understand from ESB that there is no justification for keeping the station open after 1988 because of insufficient peat supplies. The Deputy will be aware that the closure of Screebe was announced as far back as June 1984.