Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 19 February 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment

General Scheme of the Miscellaneous Provisions (Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union on 29 March 2019) Bill 2019: Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My understanding is that there are standby plants which can be brought into operation. These are coal-fired plants that were identified for decommissioning and may not be ideal. However, I do not think blackouts will occur. Obviously, the continuing operation of the single market will address that issue. All involved are determined that it will continue to operate.

I do not wish to be categoric about the UK strategy but, insofar as I can tell, it recognises the importance of being connected to the European Union market and wishes to maintain that benefit. The statutory instruments on electricity cross-border trading matters it published signal its desire to maintain interconnection and engagement with the European market. It wishes to continue to avail of the benefits of interconnection in this area.