Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1041. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the report that wind farm developers (details supplied) forecast they will make a €100 million profit from a €25 million investment in wind energy over a four-year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15002/18]
View answer1042. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the report that developers (details supplied) forecast they will make a €100 million profit from a €25 million investment in wind energy over a four-year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1041 and 1042 together.
Coillte was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters are the responsibility of the company.
I am aware of the press announcement by Coillte, on 22 March 2018, of a process to explore investor interest in acquiring Coillte’s 50% stake in each of its joint venture wind farms at Raheenleagh, Cloosh Valley and Castlepook and a 25% stake in Sliabh Bawn was noted. As a shareholder, I had given my approval to Coillte to explore the sale of these assets given the current positive market conditions. This approval was given together with the other shareholder, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Any final decision on sales will be a matter for the Board of Coillte and will require the approval of the shareholding Ministers.
