Vol. 511 No. 4
54 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has satisfied herself that previous announcements on the proposed £16.9 million refurbishment of Ferbane power station will proceed; if her attention has been drawn to local concerns that not only the refurbishment but the future of the plant is in jeopardy; the discussions, if any, she has had with the Chairman of ESB in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24636/99]
As the House is aware, the electricity market is being liberalised as a consequence of an EU directive. The directive itself is a very complex instrument with a mixture of priority dispatch for indigenous fuels, transitional measures and public service obligations. I will come up with arrangements which comply with the directive, which allow for the degree of competition envisaged – 28 per cent next year – and which recognise the history of the ESB and the need to position ESB to be a major player going forward. In fact, I have recently put in place a tripartite process to develop a better understanding in this area and I hope this process will quickly make a positive contribution.
Against this background, I would like to see the Ferbane station refurbished and continuing into the future but it would have to be accommodated within a package which would achieve EU approval, would enable ESB to thrive for the longterm and would not lead to uncompetitive electricity prices in the economy.
I am working urgently to find a formula which will accommodate the aspirations of all relevant stakeholders. I have regular contact with the chairman about this and other matters and he is well aware of my views.
