Vol. 485 No. 2
122 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise whether she has recently considered the proposed turf burning electricity generating station for the midlands; if final agreement has been reached in regard to the location; the overall cost, time-scale and start up date of operations in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23112/97]
In the interests of transparency, all aspects of the competition for the new peat fired power station are being handled by independent consultants. I am fully committed to this project and the process is being closely monitored, with direct reports to me on a weekly basis, to ensure that the timescale for the new station is adhered to.
I understand that all five bidders have now submitted their bids 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 steps will be finalisation of the contract details.
Once 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 completed by the end of 2001. The detailed schedule for project implementation will be a matter for the successful developer.
