Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of the existing power plants here which are scheduled to be closed down in the next ten years; and the consequences of the proposed closure of Tarbert Power Station on the generation adequacy requirements for the country. [26595/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I was recently apprised of a decision by the ESB Board not to undertake any further significant investment in the 620 Megawatt generating station at Tarbert, which is likely to lead to the closure of the plant within a number of years. I am also aware that a number of other plants within the ESB's portfolio may be subject to similar consideration over the next few years, however I have not been given any formal notification by the ESB Board of its intentions in this regard.

However, in accordance with the electricity transmission system Grid Code (i.e. the Regulations which all generators are required to adhere to), there is a requirement for a plant / operator to give a minimum of 24 months notice of plant closure. It should be noted that EirGrid, the Transmission System Operator {TSO}, has not been formally notified of any plant closures over the coming 10 year period and therefore, at this juncture, no planned closures have been confirmed.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has responsibility for the security of supply of electricity and gas in Ireland. EirGrid {TSO} is responsible for the production of an annual assessment of the adequacy of generation over the subsequent seven year period ("Generation Adequacy Report"), which takes into account both historical and forecast demand and supply (generation).

The results of the most recent Generation Adequacy Report, covering the period 2006-2012, noted that there would be a requirement for new generation capacity on the system from 2009 onwards. However, this study was completed in November 2005, before the announcement concerning the decision on the Tarbert Station was made.

EirGrid will take cognisance of the decision on the Tarbert Station, and all other factors relating to electricity supply and demand, in the preparation of its next Generation Adequacy report, which is expected to be published at the end of this year, to cover the period 2007-2013.

The CER is currently planning the introduction of an All Island Market for electricity, which, with the introduction of a specific capacity mechanism, is intended to provide for the appropriate incentives and market signals to attract new generation capacity, including sustainable sources of generation. The new market design will also take into account the particular attributes of sustainable forms of generation and will be designed to support such generation.

I would also advise the Deputy that significant new thermal generation capacity of up to 536 MW came on stream in the first quarter of this year at Tynagh, Co. Galway (384MW) and Aughinish, Co. Limerick (152MW). In addition to the above, Viridian (Huntstown Power Ltd.) has announced, and is proceeding with, the construction of a second new 400MW generating station in Huntstown, which is currently scheduled to come on stream in late 2007.