Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Underwater Cables.

David Stanton

Question:

130 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number, location, length and specification of underwater cables which transmit electricity; the year in which each cable was laid; the applications, if any, being processed by his Department in relation to proposed underwater cables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7760/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

The detailed information requested by the Deputy in relation to existing underwater cables which occupy State-owned foreshore and transmit electricity is not readily available. It will take some time for my Department to compile full and up-to-date information as it must consult with the licensee in each case. I shall forward the information to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

Detailed applications from the Electricity Supply Board for licences under the Foreshore Acts, 1933 to 1998, for the laying use and maintenance of underwater cables on State-owned foreshore for the transmission of electricity are under con sideration in my Department as set out in the following table.

Expressions of interest in developing windfarms off the coast have been received. It is too early to say which project, if any, may proceed or what underwater cabling on State-owned foreshore might be required.

Table of 18 Current Applications from ESB for Foreshore Licences for Underwater Cables

County	Area
Cork	BelvellyBetween Cashla Bay and Killearey BayBetween Sherkin Island and Cape Clear IslandFrom Little Island to Fota IslandGarnish Island
Donegal	InishboffinInishfree
Galway	Between Little Island and Harper IslandInchagaunInishbarraInishtravenOmey IslandBetween Inishmore and Inisheen
Galway/Mayo	Between Creggan and LouisburghBetween Maryland and Newport
Mayo	InishgordInishyle
Sligo	Coney Island