I propose to take Questions Nos. 679 and 695 together.
The tripartite agreement, which was signed in February 2000 between the Department, ESB management and the ESB group of unions, provided for the phased closure of all existing peat-fired power stations, including Bellacorick, and the construction of two new ESB-owned peat-fired power stations at Lanesboro and Shannonbridge.
The timing and management of the closure of the Bellacorick power station and the shutdown of the related peat production are matters for ESB and Bord na Móna, respectively, and I do not propose to intervene.
The Bord na Móna estimate of the peat reserves in its ownership at this north Mayo area is 3,945,000 extractable tonnes. However, I am advised that the amount of peat that can be recovered economically is much less than this. In addition, several areas of bog owned by Bord na Móna have been transferred to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for conservation. Other sections are no longer licensed for production and are now under a waste licence for the Corrib Gas project. I am advised, therefore, that the total amount available in the context of generation from peat is less than 2 million tonnes.
Bord na Móna is not in a position to provide estimates of peat reserves in areas not owned by the company.