Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of electricity generating stations scheduled for closure here; his intentions in regard to the future use of these stations; the number location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33517/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Decisions regarding the future of electricity generating stations are a matter for the Board and Management of ESB and not one in which I have a function.

I have, however, from an overall policy perspective, and in the context of the Green Paper highlighted the potential merits of a State-owned landbank of suitable generation sites to facilitate the development of new independent generation capacity. Discussions are underway with ESB and CER on the landbank proposition. This would require the availability of suitable sites, which I have stated, however, is ultimately a commercial decision for ESB.