Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 3

Written Answers. - Environmental Emissions.

Michael Noonan

Question:

20 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if, arising from decisions at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, his Department has had any discussions with the ESB to establish whether a more environmentally friendly mix of fuels could be used in the generation of electricity in Ireland; and if he will give details of the implications for coal burning stations which arise from these decisions.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

ESB has always complied fully with Government Policy on Environmental Emissions. Unlike electricity utilities in a number of other European Countries the ESB has for many years been using substantial quantities of natural gas, which is the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel.

Under the National CO2 Abatement Strategy published recently by the Minister for the Environment, there is no direct effect on the operation of the Moneypoint Power Station.