Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 8 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 4

Written Answers. - Valoren Aid Programme.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

99 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Energy the amount of assistance available under the Valoren aid programme since its inception; the amount of assistance made available to Ireland under this programme; the number, nature and origin of each application which has received assistance to date; if he is satisfied that the conditions of the programme have been adhered to in each case; his proposals for the remaining period of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy)

A total of 393 million ECUs was made available under the Valoren programme of which Ireland was allocated 25 MECUs — IR£19.25 million approximately.

The following four applications were made and approved under the programme: Electricity Supply Board for small hydro studies and schemes; Bord na Móna for peat investments and peat advisory services; Bord Gáis Éireann for energy saving, advisory services and a publicity campaign for the gas industry; and Department of Energy sponsored projects in energy effectiveness including surveys and studies together with energy advisory services carried out in conjunction with Eolas. The studies included both windpower and peat projects.

I am satisfied that the conditions of the programme have been adhered to in each case. However, experience to date has shown that some amendments to the programme as originally envisaged will be necessary if optimum value from expenditures is to be gained and the regional development and energy objectives, both of ourselves and of the Community, realised. Accordingly, my Department are finalising proposals for the remainder of the programme which I will be submitting shortly to the Commission.