Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

At the next meeting of the heads of the Scottish, Welsh and British Governments, the Taoiseach and the First Minister of Northern Ireland, might it be possible to have as an item for debate and discussion the possibility of the development of a complete interconnector for joining up the production of electricity? If this could happen between all Governments involved, I am certain they could apply jointly for grant aid from the European Union for the development of such a grid because it would pave the way for interconnection into Europe.

Unless all of us on these islands join up, it will not be possible to develop such a super grid in Europe. It is essential for the export and importation of electricity into the future and this arrangement is an ideal opportunity for such talks and such development. A joint approach by all the Governments to set a target for the completion of this interconnector is vitally important not only for Ireland, but for other countries. I am certain that funding will be available from Europe to enable this complete interconnection to take place and for the development of a European super grid.

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