I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 25 together.
I have received the Earthwatch report referred to, and it has been examined in my Department. Its recommendations will be borne in mind in the context of further potential developments in the area of renewable energy and conservation.
With regard to my Department's policy on the development of renewable energy resources, I would refer the Deputies to my reply to a similar question from Deputy Pearse Wyse on 30 January 1991. My Department's policy is to monitor developments in the new and renewables field, both in Ireland and abroad, and to support their introduction in Ireland where technically and economically feasible.
The two alternative sources of energy which are generally recognised as having the greatest potential are hydro and wind. With regard to hydroelectricity, most of the technical potential for this has already been developed in Ireland, and development of the remaining potential will depend largely on changing economic and environmental conditions. With regard to wind power, I invited proposals for Ireland's first wind farm development to be submitted to me late last year. The proposals received are currently being examined by an assessment team in my Department, and I expect to have their recommendation shortly. Up to £3.9 million will be available for this project under the EC's Valoren programme.
The potential for commercial development of other forms of renewable energy is at this stage less certain than in the case of hydro and wind energy. Considerable further research is needed to improve technical reliability and reduce costs. Research continues to be carried out in Ireland, mostly under EC programmes, by State sector companies and by the private sector. My Department monitor this activity and similar activities which are carried out in other countries.