789. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals to reduce emissions from Moneypoint, Ireland's largest coal-fired electricity generating station, given the phasing out of smokeless coal in larger towns and cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5770/16]

The Energy White Paper 'Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030', published in December last, notes that Moneypoint, Ireland’s only coal burning power station, contributes to diversifying Ireland’s fuel mix and the provision of competitively priced electricity. The station is owned by the ESB and the White Paper recognised that key decisions on its future will have to be taken before 2020 as the station will reach the end of its operating life in its current configuration in 2025.

In addition, the White paper recognises that increasing ‘cost of carbon’ charges on Green House Gas emissions will drive up the cost of carbon-intensive energy sources and lead firms and consumers to adopt low carbon fuels and energy efficient technologies. It is anticipated therefore that the phasing out of higher carbon fuels will be achieved by a combination of sustainable policy measures and consumer reaction to the higher price of carbon intensive fuels.