Results 27,741-27,760 of 31,374 for speaker:Eamon Ryan

Alternative Energy Projects. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: In listening to what every European Government has to say, they are agreed that it is through European sustainability criteria that one is able to trace and monitor, under World Trade Organisation rules, the transfer of bio-fuels and to set proper standards for them. It is right for Ireland to attach itself, and to meet its interests in the sustainability criteria via such a European...

Alternative Energy Projects. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I thank the Deputy for reminding me that the definition of sustainable transport fuels should include electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells and bio-methane. I was pleased earlier this year to provide additional support to Irish agriculture for the development of schemes similar to those in place in Germany and elsewhere for anaerobic digestive processors that can produce bio-methane....

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 117 together. The Government's energy policy framework 2007–20 underlines the importance of ensuring the continued availability of reliable, secure and competitively priced energy supply. This is vital for the competitiveness of Irish industry and Ireland's long-term economic and social development. In delivering on this imperative, the energy policy...

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Deputy misquoted me. I did not say I have no role but that I have no direct role in regard to routes and planning applications for transmission lines. The Department retains a policy role on how we develop our electricity supplies and network. That is why we commissioned an independent study on the merits of this clearly contentious issue. I have regard for that report, as well as the...

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: Yes. For the Deputy's information, I travelled to Denmark earlier this year, where I met the engineers responsible for the development of that country's transmission line. They had every interest in putting their 400 kV lines, which are similar to ours, underground. They desperately wanted to construct the interconnector because they are to Denmark's economic advantage in terms of the...

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: At this time of economic difficulty, we must recognise that the option of not proceeding with the transmission connections is to condemn certain areas of the country to being ignored for future employment opportunities. In regard to what the Deputy said earlier about being ambitious for electric vehicles——

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I will finish this point if I may.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: We will not be able to develop such systems in the absence of an electricity system that works.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I apologise.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: It is not disdain at all and I listen to and read any information provided by them.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I go back to where I started — I do not have a direct role in routes or planning.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: It would be disingenuous for a Minister in each individual case where contention arises to pretend he or she can come in like a white knight and solve a problem. There are contentious issues regarding building of transmission and distribution pipelines across the country. I cannot intervene in each instance and say I have a role in planning.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: As I stated in my response, I fully understand the concerns of the pressure group and have listened to the issues with no vested interest or in wanting to do them down——

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: ——or not meet any of the particular aspirations.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: As I understand it, that pressure group has had a series of meetings with EirGrid and I hope some common ground can be realised where possible to achieve the aims of the group and EirGrid. There are good public policy reasons to try to deliver an electricity system for the area as well as the wider country.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: With regard to Deputy Crawford's comments, I support a discussion of the ASKON report at the relevant committee as suggested. One must recognise at the same time that it is a difficult, complex and technical area and one needs a detailed knowledge of the law of physics and how transmission networks work to do justice to some of the issues raised. I support the suggestion and any committee...

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Government is not blind or insensitive to people's concerns. We will always listen to such issues. In the first instance, it is appropriate for the group to engage with EirGrid, as it has done. EirGrid has the role of looking at the specifics of what is possible. I support the process rather than wishing to set up a separate process.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: I prefer to support that process and wish both sides the best of fortune.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: It is important we get some agreement so we can deliver what we all agree is a crucial economic infrastructure for the stimulation of the country's economy.

Electricity Generation. (2 Dec 2008)

Eamon Ryan: The Deputies opposite are always talking about economic stimulus packages.