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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - Electricity Generating Stations.

Willie Penrose

Question:

18 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will give a timescale for the start of construction through to commissioning of the new peat burning power station in the midlands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14931/97]

Phil Hogan

Question:

19 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current position regarding the construction of the euro peat electricity generating station in the midlands; when a decision will be made on the successful tender; when it will be constructed and commissioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18715/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.

In the interests of transparency, all aspects of the competition for the new peat fired power station are being handled by independent consultants. I understand that the five bidders in the peat station competition are at present preparing their bids which have to be submitted to the independent consultants.

I expect that the independent consultants' evaluation of those bids will be completed, and the winner identified by the independent consultants, early in the new year. The next step will be finalisation of the contract details.
When the contracts are finalised, the developer will have to obtain the planning permission and environmental consents necessary for the project. I understand from the independent consultants that the current schedule anticipates that the engineering and construction implementation of the project will commence early in 1999 and that the project will be scheduled to be completed by the end of 2001.
As I am very much aware of the importance of this project to Bord na Móna and the midlands, I will continue to monitor its overall progress.
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