Power generation at Leinster coalfields
Bruton asked whether the ESB could consider a generating station at a Leinster mine. The Minister said the coal is generally unsuitable for power generation, but would ask the ESB to examine the possibility after its Arigna work; Bruton clarified whether he meant the Castlecomer mines.
Has the Minister considered asking the ESB to consider the possibility of locating an electricity generating station on one of the coalfields or on top of one of the mines?
Comment on this
I have talked with the ESB in an informal way about that possibility. It would mean a good deal more work by them because the type of coal that would be available is not normally regarded as suitable for raising steam and is not normally used in the generation of electricity. When they have completed their work on the Arigna coalfield I will ask them to give more careful attention to the Leinster coalfield to see what the possibilities might be in regard to that.