Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a proposed project (details supplied); if he supports this project; if not the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24079/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The promoters of the Spirit of Ireland project have presented their proposal in recent meetings with my Department, with other Departments as well as with the ESB, EirGrid and the Commission for Energy Regulation. I have also personally met with the project promoters in the past few weeks.

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. The promoters themselves acknowledge that there are very many elements to the project which need to be further explored and evaluated through appropriate evidence based engagement. That engagement with the promoters is continuing.

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