Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 24 Jan 1995

Vol. 447 No. 11

Written Answers. - ESB Review.

Edward Nealon

Ceist:

276 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the progress, if any, that has been made with the cost and competiveness review of the ESB which is being overseen by officials from his Department, ESB management and Trades Union; if the proposed 220 KW power line from Flagford, County Roscommon to Drumsallagh, County Donegal, has been considered in this study; the consultants appointed to review the ESB's capital expenditure programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1522/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

Considerable progress has been made in the Cost and Competitiveness Review (CCR). Potential cost savings of £120 million have been identified and negotiations between Management and Unions on an implementation plan to bring ESB into line with best international practice are continuing. All parties to the review are committed to ensuring that it is completed successfully.

The consultants appointed to consider capital investment in the distribution and transmission grids were EDF (Electricite de France), the national electricity utility of France. The proposed 220KV line from Flagford to Drumsallagh was not specifically considered in the review. However the consultant's findings were that substantial investment will be required to remedy serious deficiencies in the capacity and continuity standards of supplies to rural customers.