asked the Minister for Energy if he was advised in advance of the public announcement of the decision of the ESB to close Arigna generating station, County Roscommon; the estimated level of coal deposits in the Arigna field; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Arigna Generating Station.
44.
The ESB, in their Strategic Plan 1983-1988, proposed to decommission Arigna power station in 1985. Subsequently, in revised proposals accepted by the Government, the board decided to allow the station to continue in operation until local suitable coal supplies become exhausted. Recently I was advised by the board that in view of the diminishing coal reserves it intends to close the station within the next two to three years.
The reserves of usable coal in the Arigna collieries are now nearing exhaustion. While there are substantial deposits of low grade "crow coal" this is 70 per cent stone and is not suitable for burning in the existing station.