Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Electricity Generation.

John Gormley

Question:

150 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the recent opening of the 20.4 megawatt Llyn Alaw windfarm at Anglesea in Wales, which is capable of meeting the electricity needs of 70 per cent of all homes on the island; if she has satisfied herself that there are openings for similar scale, privately owned, windfarms to contribute to meeting local electricity supply demands here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18461/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

It is intended that the Bill currently being drafted to establish an independent regulatory commission to oversee the electricity sector will include a provision enabling green electricity generators to supply electricity to endusers.

It is envisaged that this provision will be brought into effect once the detailed practical arrangements, including trading arrangements, for the opening of the market in accordance with the EU electricity directive, have been developed and implemented.