Michael Noonan
Question:58 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the steps, if any, the Government have taken to encourage commercial interests to invest in generating electricity.
Written Answers. - Gas-Electricity Competition.
Michael Noonan
Question:59 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that a fair price will be charged by Bord Gáis for the transport of gas imported via the interconnector.
Michael Noonan
Question:60 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the steps, if any, he has taken to encourage the introduction of competition in electricity markets and on the national gas grid.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58, 59 and 60 together.
The Government has approved proposals for a major restructuring of the ESB. These proposals include the reorganisation of the ESB into five business units; the establishment of a central power purchasing function within the ESB and an end to the ESB's monopoly on the sale of electricity. The purpose of these changes is to promote greater cost transparency within the industry and to encourage the development of combined heat and power and renewable energy projects. Future generating requirements to meet electricity demand in Ireland are under constant review and the method of providing additional capacity will be a matter for Government at the appropriate time.
The general scheme of a Bill, to be entitled the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, approved by Government on 13 October last, is currently being drafted. I hope to introduce it before the end of the year.
The Bill will provide for,inter alia, removal of Bord Gáis Éireann's right of first refusal on all gas got within the jurisdiction of the State and will empower the Minister to give general directives on the carriage of gas through its pipelines by Bord Gáis Éireann for others, subject to considerations of capacity and security of supply to BGE's existing customers. The proposed Bill will also provide for the appointment of an arbitrator in cases of dispute as to the terms of conditions under which gas is to be carried.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:62 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has satisfied himself as to the sufficiency of Structural Funding to facilitate the re-opening of Hazelhatch Railway Station, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:64 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has satisfied himself that sufficient Structural Funds are available for the reopening of Sallins Railway Station, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 64 together.
The approval of the Government and the EC authorities for the development of diesel-based commuter rail services along the south-west rail corridor was anounced by my predecessor on 30 July, 1992. The project will involve an investment of approximately £13 million. Financial assistance is being provided for the project from the European Regional Development Fund at an intervention rate of 50 per cent. The balance of the investment cost is being funded by Iarnród Éireann from its own resources, including borrowings.
The project involves the development of new and enhanced outer suburban services based on the existing stations at Newbridge and Kildare, with new stations to be established at Cherry Orchard, Clondalkin, Hazelhatch and Sallins. A dedicated feeder bus service is also planned to link Heuston Station to the city centre.
I understand from CIE that work on the project is proceeding satisfactorily and that the services are expected to commence early in 1994.