Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The commercial and technical operations of the east-west interconnector are an operational matter for EirGrid, which is a commercial State company. I have no role or function in that regard. EirGrid is the independent statutory body responsible for the development and maintenance of the national electricity transmission system. As with any major complex project using purpose-built technology, the east-west interconnector requires comprehensive testing. Tests during autumn 2012 highlighted certain issues relating to localised incidents of noise interference with telephone lines. I understand from EirGrid that the company and its contractor co-operated with telecommunications network providers to address the reported telephone noise interference. The commencement of commercial trading over the interconnector was deferred until such time as the localised issues were resolved. I emphasise that the issue relates to noise on some telephone lines in the vicinity of the interconnector and is not a health concern. Testing has confirmed that the interconnector is operating well within international standards on electric and magnetic fields.

EirGrid has confirmed that the interconnector has been running continuously since 1 December 2012 following testing in an interim mode during November 2012. Commercial trading and energy flows have been taking place since 21 December 2012 at a capacity of approximately 250 megawatts. The development of a permanent solution by the contractor to allow the interconnector to operate at full capacity in its intended mode is under way and is expected to be implemented shortly. An outage may be required to implement the permanent solution.

The east-west interconnector is a strategically vital energy project for the island of Ireland and is financially supported under the European Energy Programme for Recovery. The interconnector has enhanced the security of the national energy supply and will increase energy market competition and facilitate the progressive development of renewable energy.

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