Vol. 442 No. 7
13 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on the anxiety of workers at the ESB power stations at Ferbane and Rhode, County Offaly, regarding the future of those stations; if he will give an assurance that those jobs will not be lost to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
17 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications when work will commence on Euro Peat 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
28 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on the anxiety of workers at the ESB power stations at Ferbane and Rhode, County Offaly, regarding the future of those stations; if he will give an assurance that those jobs will not be lost to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
29 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications when work will commence on Euro Peat 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 17, 28 and 29 together.
I am aware of the concerns being expressed by the workers at the ESB power stations at Rhode and Ferbane on the future of these stations and I have received submissions from them on this matter.
As indicated in the National Development Plan, the Government is committed to the continued use of peat for electricity generation where economically viable. It is in the context of this commitment that the Bord na Móna proposal for a new 120 MW peat-fired electricity generating station to be located in the East Midlands is being examined by my Department. No decision has yet been taken on it.
As part of the review of the proposal, in-depth consideration is being given to the impact of such proposal on the area, in terms of employment and income generation and the wider socio-economic implications. The future status of the existing station at Rhode and Ferbane after they reach the end of their operational life in the coming years is also being considered in this context.
