Vol. 426 No. 7
231 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on the document Feasibility Study of a Natural Energy Park at Mallow, County Cork which was submitted by Cork County Council in 1992; and if, in view of the possible benefits, including job creation, which would accrue from the natural energy park, he will support the project.
In 1990, my Department reached agreement with the EC Commission whereby 70 per cent of the cost of carrying out this feasibility study would be made available to Cork County Council under the EC Valoren Programme in addition to 55 per cent of the cost of developing a goethermal production well. I understand that in the light of the study it is now proposed to appoint consultants with a view to undertaking a detailed viability and marketing study of the proposal and subject to this, have a detailed design produced.
The concept of a natural energy park based on naturally occurring geothermal water is worthy of further consideration and the potential for the development of this project in the context of the overall promotion of renewable energy sources will continue to receive attention in my Department.
