James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I wish to congratulate Deputy Simon Coveney for bringing this important motion before the House. While conscious of our national vulnerability to fossil fuel disruptions because of our excessive reliance on imported oil and gas supplies, I would like to highlight the position of the midlands. In particular, Longford, Mullingar and other midland towns have still not been connected to the national gas grid. I am glad that the Minister is hear to listen to this debate. These locations are currently without the advantage of a coherent and co-operative energy infrastructural provision. The gas pipeline must be extended to Mullingar, Longford and other midland towns. This is something for which I have campaigned for a number of years and I have discussed the matter personally with the Minister. I have also discussed with him the patchy broadband service in the midlands.

Smart Grid, as proposed by Fine Gael, will be formed from the merger of Eirgrid and the ESB. I am confident it will provide a new energy infrastructure not alone for the midlands but also the entire country. It will take ownership of Ireland's electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure. Smart Grid, a merger of networks, will work on three broad sets of targets. These would include making Ireland a net exporter of energy by 2030. We should be producing 50% of our electricity from renewables by 2020. A nationwide infrastructure would see 50% of cars running on electricity by 2025 and 100% by 2030.

I welcome the recent announcement of a €5,000 grant to purchasers of electric cars. I think Deputy Peter Kelly has one on order.

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