Vol. 476 No. 3
7 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if the EU has agreed the £21 million grant aid and an extension of the deadline for the completion of the peat-fired generating station; the outcome of his negotiations with the EU Commissioner on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7079/97]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the consultants who are running the competition for the new station expect to advertise it before the end of this month. As the Deputy is aware, this is a priority project for the Government.
The project is included in the economic infrastructure operational programme with an EU grant of £21 million available. The schedule for drawing down funds under this programme requires that actual expenditure be completed by the end of the year 2000. The main constraint in complying with this deadline is the uncertainty surrounding the timescale involved in securing planning and environmental licences for the construction of the station. The Commission can extend the deadline to 2001 and I am satisfied the station can be constructed in time to meet this deadline.
I am pleased that at a meeting I had with the EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Monika Wulf Mathies, on 13 February last, the availability of EU finance for the project was confirmed. I will demonstrate to the Commission, with the support of independent advice, that the station can be completed by end 2001. The extension to 2001 will be formalised in the context of the mid-term review of the economic infrastructure operational programme which is due to be completed shortly.
I tabled this question to get some clarification on the matter. Is the Minister saying the £21 million grant is in place and that the station can be completed by 2001, four and a half years from now? Is he confirming that the station can be completed within that timeframe?
Yes, I have just said that to the Deputy. Does he want me to say it two or three times?
I am sorry if I am a bad pupil. Because of the Minister's arrogance, it must be difficult for him to put up with people like me.
It is not.
My understanding of what the Commissioner said publicly might differ from what she said to the Minister. Will the Minister confirm that the station will be opened in 2001 and receive a grant of £21 million? Has he formally agreed those deadlines with her?
I cannot take responsibility for how the Deputy understands matters. I can only tell the House the factual position. Does the Deputy want me to read my reply again? I already stated the availability of EU finance for the project has been confirmed, the station can be completed by the end of 2001 and the Commission will extend the deadline to that year.
That was not too painful.
I hope the receipt of the good news was not too painful for the Deputy.
I suppose we should not ask this great man too many questions.
