Mr. Fintan Slye:

Part of the function of the transmission system is to move power from where it is generated in large quantities by generators to where it is needed in towns and counties around the country.

As the committee is aware, SSC is developing a new and very large gas-fired power station in the Great Island area. As we speak, that plant is coming on stream and I understand it is due to enter operation early in the new year. Power from the plant will feed into the transmission system. Obviously, the Grid Link project will also move some of that power around the country. The project will also provide support and the highways of power to ensure that the grid right around the area will be reinforced and capable of handling the additional load which might arise as a result of a large industry that needs access to large amounts of power siting its operations there. It serves the dual functions of the movement of generation out to load and supporting and reinforcing the grid in the area.