Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 384: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has studied a proposal (details supplied); his views on the feasibility of this project; if he will support same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20983/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I welcome all private sector endeavours seeking to promote and deploy renewable energy to the benefit of the economy and consumers.

The promoters of the Spirit of Ireland project have presented their proposal in a recent meeting with my Department and in meetings with other Departments as well as with the ESB, EirGrid and the Commission for Energy Regulation. I have also met the promoters in recent days. These initial meetings have given me and my Department good preliminary insight into this highly ambitious and complex proposal to meet Ireland's energy needs. There are clearly very many elements to the project which need to be further explored and evaluated through appropriate evidence based engagement. That engagement will continue in the coming months.