asked the Minister for Energy if he will give an assurance that the Government will not allow the Electricity Supply Board to close Screeb generating station at Rosmuck, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Galway Generation Station.
535.
The Deputy is no doubt aware that the Government, at the meeting on 30 May 1984 decided that the generation of electricity from peat-fired stations is to continue with little change, in accordance with revised arrangements between the ESB and Bord na Móna.
The ESB in 1983 drew up a five year strategic plan, 1983-1988 having as its primary objective, regarded as very commendable by the Government, the achievement of substantial improvement in the economics of its operations. This plan was drawn up by the board and management of the ESB on their own initiative and responsibility. The plan set out the measures seen by the ESB as necessary to accelerate the transition of the board from a period of high growth development to a plane of slower expansion. These relate to every section of the organisation and aim to reduce costs.
The original plan also included proposals to close 733 MW of generating capacity in 14 stations which the ESB maintains are high-cost and low merit. The station at Screebe was included in these proposed closures. Because of the obvious implications for the continued operation of Bord na Móna, the Government insisted that the two boards should get together and jointly consider the ESB proposals. Following protracted negotiations modified proposals emerged which ensure that the generation of electricity from peat-fired stations is to continue with little change.
The ESB also put forward modified proposals relating to the four small 5 MW sod peat stations including that at Screebe, County Galway. These proposals, which have been accepted by the Government, are that the stations at Gweedore and Cahirciveen would continue in operation and the stations at Miltown Malbay and Screebe would close, as proposed originally. The ESB pointed out that the load factors at Miltown Malbay and Screebe have been low for many years due to the unsatisfactory level of sod peat deliveries. The cost of a unit of electricity sent out from the stations is also very high. The stations at Gweedore and Cahirciveen have a better unit cost. The ESB also stated that the anticipated delivery levels of sod peat at these two stations have generally been maintained over the years and reasonable load factors were attainable.