James Leonard
Ceist:83 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the reason for the delay in proceeding with the biomass competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18293/95]
Written Answers. - Biomass Competition.
As the Deputy is aware, I have announced plans for a competitive scheme to secure one electricity generating plant of up to 30 megawatts using biomass or waste as a fuel. The proposal, subject to EU approval, envisages the provision of grant assistance of up to £7.5 million to the project under the Economic Infrastructure Operational Programme.
There has been no delay in proceeding with the competition. The detailed arrangements for the scheme, including arrangements for allocation of the grant and the criteria for evaluation of project applications, are being finalised by the power procurer in consultation with my Department. I expect these arrangements to be in place within a matter of weeks at which stage I will announce the full details of the scheme.