asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he can state if steps are being taken to investigate the possibility of harnessing tidal water power with a view to its utilisation for the purpose of generating electricity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Generation of Electricity.
Proposals for the use of tidal power in the generation of electricity have been made to me but I am advised by the Electricity Supply Board that this method of generation would not be as economic or generally satisfactory as that afforded by other means of generation.
Is the Minister aware that definite steps are being taken in Great Britain to harness tidal power and, in view of the nature of our coal supply, that there is a prima facie case for a thorough investigation of the tidal power available?
The matter has been investigated and, so far as it has been possible to ascertain, the generation of electricity by means of tidal power appears to be the most expensive method.