COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 08, 2014

QUESTION NO. 13

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

To ask the Chief Executive for a detailed update on the Request for Tenders for the preparation of a Feasibility Study to investigate the potential for small-scale hydro generated power?

REPLY:

The Architectural Services Department issued a Request for Tenders to six suitably qualified consultants for the preparation of a Feasibility Study to investigate the potential for small-scale hydro generated power on watercourses where they traverse the land area of South Dublin County Council, these are the rivers Liffey, Dodder, Griffeen, Cammock and Owendoher and their tributaries.

The purpose of this feasibility study is to provide analysis of small hydro-potential of the County for commercial purposes (>50Kwh). Specifically the study will include the identification of priority and high priority sites and associated electricity potential as well as the costs associated with developing such sites. The focus will be on commercial potential as well as the technical turbine requirements and capabilities of each site. Environmental and planning considerations will also form an important part of this analysis.

The objective of the study is to establish a basis for the systematic development of small hydro electric resources on watercourses in South Dublin and their tributaries where they traverse lands in the remit of South Dublin County Council. The focus of the study will be small hydro electric energy potential and development viability. The study will include more detailed analysis of 4 sites which are considered to have maximum development potential.

Four tender submissions were returned from:

Water Power Services

Hydro NI

Fingleton White

Eco Evolution

The tender evaluation process is underway and will be resolved shortly. It is envisaged that the contract will be awarded and the study will commence early 2015.