asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether any decision has been taken regarding the siting of a nuclear power station for this country; and whether Carne, County Wexford, is being considered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Power Station Site.
9.
No decision has yet been taken by the Government regarding the provision of a nuclear power station in this country.
The ESB have surveyed a number of possible sites for a nuclear station, among them Carnsore Point, County Wexford.
When does the Minister hope the Government will make a decision as to whether we will have a nuclear power station?
Very soon.
How soon?
Shortly.
A month, or two months?
A Deputy
Before the next election.
I consider this a matter of priority and I hope to ask the Government to make a decision within the next fortnight or three weeks.
Does the Minister consider that Carnsore Point is one of the possible places?
Yes.
A possible place. A decision will be taken on the setting up of a board to consider what is the most suitable place.
Since the Tánaiste has answered for the Minister, Carnsore Point should be well in the running.
I am all in favour of it.
Since the Tánaiste has answered for the Minister for Transport and Power, may I take it as definite that Carnsore Point will be the site for a nuclear power station?
I did not say that.
The Deputy should not take that as a fact. There is a lot of work to be done before that.
I am not too clear on this. Did I understand the Minister to indicate that a decision as to the siting of the station will be given within the next fortnight or three weeks?
A decision as to whether the Government will recommend the setting up of a nuclear power station. The decision on the site will come after that and the nuclear energy board which will be set up also, I hope, in a short time, will advise me as to the most suitable site in the country. A number of sites have been suggested.
The decision we will get within the next two or three weeks is simply to set up a nuclear energy board?
That is right.