Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for not being here for the Minister's presentation. I was delayed by a vote in the Seanad and we expect another one shortly. I mentioned at our last meeting the possibility of reducing our energy demands. I am convinced, even though I say it myself, it is a good idea with regard to emissions and the cost to local authorities of electricity in our towns, villages and motorways. Our demand for electricity is too high. The Minister mentioned using State assets such as Coillte and State-owned properties, and this will help to alleviate and minimise the objectors locally. I am not sure what the reason is, but it will make it easier for the Minister.

We have a number of inlets and fjords throughout the country. I live on a fjord, where the tide comes and goes twice a day every day. It is not like the wind and it does not stop for anybody. Has the project which has been on Strangford Lough for the past ten or 15 years been examined? Electricity is supplied by the turbine to 1,200 to 1,500 domestic houses in the adjacent towns and villages. Have we examined any of our inlets? We should look at the possibility of having similar projects such as that on Strangford Lough. All avenues of alternative energy must be explored. I agree with the Minister that wind energy is economical. It would not be used in parts of our country and predominantly in other European countries if it was not an economical proposition. Wave technology must be explored to the full as we are an island nation.

I asked about the North-South interconnector, which is of great concern to me with regard to the proposals for more pylons. I do not know whether we can run 220 AC supply underground in parallel with the existing interconnector. Is it technically possible to join them at the beginning and end with both running parallel in between? I do not expect the Minister to remember, but on the way from the meeting I mentioned to him the capacity of the proposed interconnector between Ireland and France, if and when it happens. We do not need the capacity to Northern Ireland that we are designing.