John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

The support of Members of this House for the provisions of the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Bill in respect of electricity interconnection is very welcome. I have listened with interest to the Deputies' points about security of supply, costs and competitiveness and our ambitious renewable targets.

The east-west electricity interconnector is a key strategic infrastructural project. With EirGrid as owner, we can be certain that it will contribute significantly to maintaining Ireland's security of supply. It will also be made available to all users on a non-discriminatory basis and will support the development of renewable wind generation.

In the context of liberalised multi-player energy markets, the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, has responsibility for ensuring security of electricity and gas supplies. The CER plays a key role in overseeing the development of the east-west interconnector and in its ongoing regulation. I assure the Deputies that the Department, together with CER and EirGrid, is working to ensure that this project is delivered in the most expeditious manner and at the lowest possible cost to consumers.

EirGrid is a fully independent, transmission system operator, licensed by the Commission for Energy Regulation. As several Deputies highlighted, EirGrid plays a key strategic role in the independent operation of the single electricity market in co-operation with its Northern Ireland counterpart. EirGrid also has responsibility for monitoring and reporting on security of electricity supply and generation adequacy. It is instrumental in facilitating the increased penetration of the renewable generation in the Irish electricity system.

The Bill, which expands EirGrid's statutory functions, clearly demonstrates the Government's confidence in EirGrid's ability to deliver on its challenging mandate. I am aware that the Minister will be happy to consider carefully any proposed amendments to this Bill from all parties in this House as long as they serve to expedite the planning and development of our electricity interconnection and, in so doing, help deliver important benefits for Ireland.

I have also listened to the concerns raised by Deputies on all sides about overhead electricity lines and certain transmission projects currently being developed by EirGrid. The Deputies will be aware that international consultants have been appointed by the Department to undertake an independent study to provide the best available professional advice on the relative merits of constructing and operating overhead transmission lines compared to underground cables. This study will have regard to technical characteristics, reliability, operation and maintenance factors, environmental impact, possible health issues and cost factors. The study will address the concerns raised by the Deputies on this issue.

The Department also requested submissions from the public on this issue, which generated a huge response. The consultants will consider the more than 500 public submissions received. The consultants will also be available to meet the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to discuss the details of the report once published.

Turning again to the Bill, it is one of a range of ambitious and challenging measures that will help to advance the Government's energy agenda, as outlined in the energy policy framework and programme for Government. The Government is providing strong leadership in this area and will deliver a sustainable, secure, efficient and competitive all-Ireland energy market. Our overall objective is to develop an economy and society that value both energy and the environment.

The Minister is anxious that this Bill be considered as soon as possible on Committee Stage with the aim of progressing it to the Statute Book as quickly as possible. In this regard, the Minister wishes to encourage Deputies to table any amendments to the Bill as quickly as possible so that they can be given full and fair consideration. Such amendments will be considered on their merit with an open mind.

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