Vol. 491 No. 6
57 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current and anticipated annual requirements in relation to electricity generation; whether these requirements are likely to be met in the immediate to long-term future in view of the current rate of industrial investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12701/98]
100 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has to meet industrial needs in terms of electricity requirements over the next ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12909/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 100 together.
Current requirements in relation to electricity generation are being adequately met. As the Deputy may be aware, I have recently published a consultation document on legislative proposals for the implementation of the EU Electricity Directive 96/92/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity which must be implemented in Ireland by 19 February 2000. These proposals provide, inter alia, for the publication by the Transmission System Company of an annual statement estimating for a seven year period the generating capacity which is likely to be connected to the transmission system.
In anticipation of the new legislation and, as announced by me at the public discussion forum on the electricity directive held last January, I have asked ESB to prepare a statement of estimated future capacity requirements for electricity in consultation with my Department. I understand that work on this is well advanced and I expect to be in a position to publish the statement during this summer.
