asked the Minister for Energy if it is proposed to phase out the existing coal fired electricity generating station at Arigna, County Roscommon; and if imported coal is used to operate it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Arigna, ESB Station.
517.
The ESB's Strategic Plan was drawn up by the board and management of the ESB on their own initiative and responsibility to bring about major changes in the organisation to achieve substantial price improvement. The plan sets out the measures proposed by the ESB to achieve this objective. These proposals include closure of certain generating stations, including the station at Arigna, to reduce the board's existing excess generating capacity. The plan also includes measures relating to such areas as administration, accounting procedures, consultancy services, general overheads, office development, trading practices and reorganisation of structures within the board.
The plan is being examined in detail in my Department and until this examination is complete I do not propose to comment on any particular element of the plan — including the proposed decommissioning of Arigna generating station.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that no decisions will be taken on the board's plan without the fullest consideration being given to the social, economic, strategic and regional implications of the proposals. In relation to the second part of the Deputy's question, only native coal is used in the station.