Written answers

Thursday, 3 November 2016

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Electricity Generation

Photo of John BrassilJohn Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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168. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will intervene to ensure the future of a power plant (details supplied) is protected in view of an announcement by a company and the announcement indicates future closure of the plant in years to come; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33107/16]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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At the outset I want to say that any loss of jobs and the impact on individuals, households and local communities is  a source of real regret.

Tarbert power station, like all such plants, has a physical and operational design life. The power station is a Heavy Fuel Station that commenced operations in 1969 under the ownership of the ESB and was originally scheduled to close in 2010 due to its advanced age, inefficiency and its use of a heavily polluting fuel. Before its closure, it was purchased by Endesa who sought and were granted planning permission to develop and build a modern and efficient electricity power plant fuelled by gas. That company subsequently sold the plant to SSE.

In the liberalised energy market, it is a commercial decision for the company to take in regard to the future of the plant. I am advised that the company, SSE, has stated that the redundancies are required to ensure the plant's continued competitiveness  and help safeguard  the continued operation of Tarbert Power Plant.  

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