Vol. 449 No. 4
44 Mr. P. Gallagher (Laoighis-Offaly) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the current position regarding the Government's application to the EU for financial support for the proposed new peat-burning generating station in the midlands; when the project will proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3566/95]
The Government is committed to the continued use of peat for electricity generation provided the costs are not excessive.The proposal for a new 120m W peat fired station to be located in the east midlands has been included in the energy sub programme of the Community Support Framework for Ireland 1994-99 and EU financial assistance of £21 million has been sought towards the project.
At the request of the EU Commission, a socio-economic cost benefit analysis of the project has been completed by a firm of international consultants and is being considered by the Commission. In this connection I am arranging an early meeting with Commissioner Wulf-Mathies to discuss any outstanding concerns.
