Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Terry Brennan for his observations. We are certainly addressing all of the developments taking place and taking account of new technologies, particularly in the production of tidal, wave and ocean energy. Of all the developments of interest for the future, offshore production of renewable energy seems to be the most exciting. It is important to note that there is a long lead-in period associated with all of these technologies. What the Government is concerned with is supporting and funding research. That is our major contribution in this area. It is very unlikely that there will ever be a situation where the Government will construct offshore wind arrays and involve itself in tidal or wave energy production. What it can do is be involved in funding research, understanding what the developments are and where the opportunities will be in the future and supporting the research institutions, including the universities. I have in mind, in particular, the Beaufort facility at Ringaskiddy, which is a very impressive centre of excellence for research into ocean energy, whether tidal, wave, offshore or wind. That is our principal involvement in these technologies.

Senator Terry Brennan referred to the North-South interconnector project. I can only repeat what I already have said in this regard which reflects what representatives of EirGrid said when they appeared before the committee. No two projects are the same. Whereas it was possible to make changes to the Grid Link project, for example, we are not comparing two projects that are the same if we compare it with the North-South interconnector. What was done in the case of Grid Link cannot necessarily be done in the case of the North-South interconnector project or any of the other projects being brought forward.

On the possibility of constructing an interconnector between Ireland and France, a feasibility study is being carried out with the French authorities. We look forward to seeing the fruits of that study. As to what the capacity of that line might be, it is not possible to say at this point. A cost-benefit analysis would have to be carried out in order to determine what capacity might be possible and affordable in the context of an Ireland-France interconnection. The process is at an early stage, but we look forward to seeing it progressing. In the context of energy union, everything is changing very quickly in terms of what may be possible in the future. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice has noted that the extent to which we will have interconnections with other jurisdictions may be the determining factor in the future in the use of renewable energy and, ultimately, the value to the consumer in terms of the pressure on prices that it might be possible to deliver.

In respect of REFIT 2, I must profess a little uncertainty as to what precisely Senator Thomas Byrne is asking about. I saw something about what he mentioned in a newspaper report recently. I will write to him tomorrow about this to indicate precisely what has happened, if anything has. I will be frank with him and say I am personally not aware of having made any such decision in recent days or weeks. I have civil servants here with me today and have had an opportunity to check quickly with them. I cannot recall having made any such decision in recent times. I will try to write to the Senator about the matter this evening, but it will more likely be tomorrow.