Mr. Nicholas Tarrant:

Offshore wind is in development. ESB Networks does not have a direct role in offshore wind. There is a first phase of projects being developed on the east coast. The role of ESB Networks is in the onshore transmission network that will be needed. Transmission is the equivalent of the motorways for the electricity network. Once those projects are brought forward by EirGrid, the transmission system operator, the detailed design, procurement and installation of those projects - there is a huge amount to do on these projects - would be delivered by ESB Networks.

We do not have a role in trading across the interconnectors to balance supply and demand. That is a role for EirGrid. It is fair to say that interconnectors have a very important strategic role for Ireland from an energy security point of view. There is a project to be completed called the Greenlink interconnector which is due for completion later this year. The Celtic interconnector to connect Cork to France is also being developed by EirGrid. They have a very important role. ESB Networks does not have a role in the import or export of electricity between the two markets.