COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 08, 2013

QUESTION NO.6

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

To ask the Manager for an update on the proposed feasibility study, in conjunction with SEAI, on the potential of introducing a pilot hydro-electric project on the Liffey? 

REPLY:

The South Dublin Sustainable Energy Action Plan adopted by the Council in May 2013 includes Replace Action No. 3 (Action REP3) whereby the Council will continue to investigate the feasibility of using renewable and low carbon technologies.

To progress SEAP Replace Action No. 3, the Council has prepared a brief for the carrying out of a feasibility study into the potential for small scale hydro based electricity generation in South Dublin County. This feasibility study will identify potential sites for the development of hydro schemes in the County including on the Rivers Liffey and Dodder.   The focus of the study will be hydro electric energy potential and development viability.  It will identify a small number of likely sites that will be subject to more detailed investigation, including costings and an assessment of economic potential.   The study will also address planning, environmental and fisheries issues.  The last study of this type was undertaken in 1985 by the Department of Energy.  The work will be carried out with the support of SEAI under the provisions of the Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) Programme for which SDCC successfully bid in 2011 and is intended to facilitate the early implementation of successful hydro electricity projects in the County.