Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1999

Vol. 507 No. 4

Written Answers. - Electricity Generation.

Willie Penrose

Question:

83 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the discussions, if any, she has had with Bord na Móna on the construction of a 60 megawatt peat fired power station in the Coolnagun Raharney/Ballivor area of County Westmeath in view of the fact there are more than adequate peat resources and infrastructural facilities available to accommodate this station and it would provide much needed jobs locally; and if she will ensure this project becomes a reality [17139/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I refer the Deputy to the detailed reply which I gave to a question on this subject by Deputy McGrath on 24 November 1998. I will forward a copy of this reply to the Deputy for ease of reference.

The main developments since then are the start of construction work at the beginning of this year on the new 120MW peat fired generating plant at Edenderry and the passage of the electricity regulation Bill through all stages in the Dáil this week. Under the provisions of this Bill, authorisations for the construction of new power stations, including any proposals for further peat stations, will in future be a matter for the new Commission for Electricity Regulation.