Monica Barnes
Question:10 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Energy the level of peat burning which he envisages in ESB power stations in (a) the year 2000 and (b) 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - ESB Peat Burning.
Subject to availability, reliability and performance of generating plant, the milled peat burn forecast for the years in question is: year 2000, 2.75 million tonnes; year 2010, 2.5 million tonnes.
Could I ask the Minister to what extent the reliability of the power stations can be depended upon to ensure a lengthy life for the use of milled peat? If problems arise with those plants, is the Minister firmly committed to not allowing reinvestment in peat burning facilities to lengthen the life of this activity?
As the Deputy knows, there are a number of peat burning power stations, some of the oldest of which are to be phased out because of their condition. Others are in excellent condition and money will continue to be invested in them for maintenance and so on. The estimate given to me by Bord na Móna and the ESB is as reliable as can be obtained at this point.
Could the Minister indicate what will be the implications for employment in Bord na Móna.
The Deputy is entering into another area now.
The projected closures, which at present are Allenwood, Ferbane — A unit and Rhode — A unit, obviously would have implications for employment in the midland areas. The Deputy will be aware that these stations were orginally earmarked for closure in 1984 as part of the ESB's strategic plan for 1983-88. However, because of the serious consequences of these closures envisaged for Bord na Móna it was decided by the Government to keep them open at reduced load factor and that is the way they are operating at present. Some of these stations are over 30 years old. It is likely that there will be no compulsory redundancies at any of these plants. I expect the workers will have the choice of voluntary redundancy or redeployment within Bord na Móna or the ESB.
Would the Minister support some form of programme for alternative activity, like Rechar for the coal regions, to deal with this problem?
Unfortunately, the Rechar programme is not available for any of the projects in operation in this country. The number of job losses involved is, understandably, high and is way above anything we would expect here. The Deputy can be assured that the Government are concerned that any decisions of a major State company which would result in the closure of a facility that was giving substantial employment is a matter of concern. The IDA are alert to the need to seek alternative job opportunities in these particular areas. That concern is shared by all parties in the House.