asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether a postponement of the anticipated date of completion of the Bellacorick generating station is contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bellacorick Generating Station.
As I stated in the Dáil on the 21st March, 1956, during the course of the debate on the Supplies and Services Bill, the installed generating capacity of the E.S.B. is at present in excess of requirements and is likely to be so for some time to come. In these circumstances the board have had to review the generating programme and, until the review is completed, I cannot say what the effect is likely to be on the estimated date of completion of any particular station.
Would the Minister state if any recent discussions have taken place with his Department on this question?
I have explained to the Deputy in my reply that the E.S.B. is reviewing its generating programme, and, until the review is completed, I cannot indicate the estimated date of completion of any particular station. The review by the E.S.B. necessarily involves consultation with my Department, and other bodies, too.
With a view to postponing the date of completion as we are supposed to have too much electricity at present.
The E.S.B. has more electricity stations than it can use. It has more installed capacity than it needs at the moment because its installed electrical generating capacity is substantially in excess of the demand for electricity and the indications are that the position will worsen in that respect.
Would the Minister state why priority was given for the installation of oil plants rather than peat for the generation of electricity?
I gave no such authority.
That is a separate question.
Is it not true that the fact that we have so much electricity is due to priority being given for the erection of stations which use imported fuel?
That did not take place during my administration.
More maladministration.