Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 6

Written Answers. - Environmental Project.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

113 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the timeframe envisaged for a project (details supplied) in view of the details of the Book of Estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25298/02]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

Sustainable Energy Ireland has concluded a contract with ESBI Engineering Ltd., ESBI, to produce a wind energy map, covering both the on-land and offshore resource, in digitised and map form. ESBI began work on the contract in early June 2002. The necessary numerical analysis is almost complete and production of the maps, on a county by county basis, is expected to begin in the new year. The project is on target for completion in April 2003.

The maps will then be made available to planning authorities as an aid to determine areas suitable for harnessing the wind resource taking environmental, landscape and land designations into account. It is also planned to make the maps available to the wider public under appropriate terms and conditions.