117 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the ESB power station at Tarbert Island complies with EU standards for emissions; and if alternative sources of power production will be coming on stream at this station. [29633/01]

I have been informed by the ESB that Tarbert generating station complies fully with all current environmental legislative requirements. The station has applied for an integrated pollution control licence and a draft licence is expected to be issued in February 2002. With regard to alternative sources of power production, the ESB manages a portfolio of generating units utilising a range of fuel to ensure it competes effectively in various segments of the market. Compliance with Kyoto obligations will increasingly influence generating decision later in the decade.

118 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will ensure that natural gas will be available to the ESB power station on Tarbert Island. [29634/01]

I understand the current Bord Gáis Éireann project will bring gas to a point about 20 miles or so east of Tarbert and that it will have substantial gas transmission capacity. It is a day to day matter for the ESB to decide whether running the existing station at Tarbert on natural gas is a commercially feasible project in a competitive electricity market. I am generally aware that future generating options are continuously reviewed by the board.