15 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if it is proposed to award a contract for the construction of a new peat fired electricity generating station early in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23494/96]

As was indicated to the Deputy's colleague, Deputy O'Donnell, in a written answer yesterday, a consortium of consultants are at present working on the detailed arrangements for a competition to be held for the peat station. The competition will be for the award of a contract for the purchase of electricity from the new power station, the stream of income from the contract will enable the winning bidder to finance the construction and operation of the station, which will be owned by the winning bidder.