Charles Flanagan
Ceist:143 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on the viability of wood fired power plants in view of the fact that the fuel for such plants may be grown in locally coppiced short rotation forestry plantations harvested within three or five year cycles; if she considers it desirable having regard to the fact that the use of wood fuel does not contribute in any way to greenhouse gas emissions; if consideration might be given towards the conversion of the ESB fired power stations in the midlands to a wood fired flant which would be in line with national policies regarding rural development and greenhouse gas; her views on whether wood fired power plants would be appropriate for Government and EU support by virtue of the renewable and non-renewable nature of the fuel and in view of the growing demand for green power following liberalisation of the electricity industry and in view of the EU's proposed renewable energy drive aimed at stimulating the market for green power; her further views on whether the economics of the scheme are viable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10409/00]
