asked the Minister for Energy if, in view of the recent statement by the Minister for the Gaeltacht that Bellacorick generating station will remain open and that a Government commitment has been given to its retention, will the same apply to all the other generating stations that are at present in operation and are scheduled for closure by the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the position pertaining to each individual station.
Written Answers. - ESB Generating Stations.
305.
The position in regard to all of the generating stations proposed for closure in the ESB Strategic Plan 1983-1988 is that these proposals are still under examination in my Department. The Government have taken no decisions in regard to any of the stations. In considering the ESB proposals generally, the Government will give due regard to all the relevant factors involved — social, regional and strategic as well as economic.
I understand that any comments made by the Minister for the Gaeltacht concerning the Bellacorick power station were consistent with the position which I have outlined.