Planning In 1968, Ireland's economic development required more energy production and the Electricity Supply Board began evaluating ways of diversifying its electricity generation. The
Turlough Hill project had just commenced and this was one of the most prestigious engineering projects since the foundation of the state and the
Shannon hydroelectric scheme. In the 1970s the need for new energy sources became more urgent, especially after the
1973 energy crisis. In 1975
Bord Gáis was established in order to develop
Kinsale gas field, slowing the nuclear energy project as it was hoped it may be an alternative. However, in 1974
planning permission was sought for four reactors with
County Wexford County Council, with one to be built immediately, most likely of
pressurized water reactor design.
Uncertainty The economic slowdown of 1974 and 1975 saw the project temporarily put on hold. When
Desmond O'Malley became the new
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy in 1977 the project once again became a priority of government policy. This time the government wanted to build a 650
MW plant at
Carnsore at a cost of £350 million (
Punt) at then-prices. In 1979 the project was again postponed, following a change in government when
George Colley became
the new minister in charge of the project and the incident at
Three Mile Island in the United States.
Friends of the Earth and other groups lobbied against the plan and in 1981 the Electricity Supply Board and the government announced it was no longer national policy.
Cancellation Ultimately the board was remembered for the plans put on and off hold, and resulting immense controversy. Also there was criticism that the government overestimated the need of energy in Ireland in the future; at one point it was estimated that industry would consume 57% of energy by 1990 - internationally this is rather large, as 40% is a typical value. Nevertheless, Ireland in the 1970s was regarded as being in a dangerous position on energy, as 75% of needs were met by
oil, and
European Economic Community policy was to reduce this below 50% by 1985, after two
energy crises. ==Aftermath==