Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Wind Power Generation.

Edward Nealon

Question:

917 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the submissions or applications, if any, he has received in respect of the development of wind power generated centres, wind farms, from counties Sligo and Leitrim; if so, if he will give details of the proposals and the locations involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15195/96]

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

The 1994-95 alternative energy requirement scheme or AER 1, was administered on my Department's behalf by the ESB's power procurement office. All applications and submissions in respect of that scheme were submitted directly to that office. I gave details of the wind farm proposals in counties Leitrim and Sligo which were successful under that competition in response to Deputy Nealon on 15 March 1995 (in the Official Report Vol 450, No. 7, at column 101).

Later this year I will announce the first round of annual renewable energy competitions proposed in my policy document "Renewable Energy — A Strategy for the Future". This will include a competition for 30MW of wind generated capacity and it too will be administered on my Department's behalf. I do not have any applications or submissions from those counties on hand, nor will I seek any directly from any applicants under the next competition.