Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 238: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans the Government has to ensure ready access to the grid at an economic rate for wind generated energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7683/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department established a grid upgrade development programme as a dedicated renewable energy support initiative designed to assist in bringing planned renewable electricity generation projects to fruition. The funding available is €17.32 million from the ESIOP programme with matching funding being provided from the transmission use of system, TUOS, charges by the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER. The Department is currently engaged with the CER and the network electricity operators to agree the optimum use of this resource within the revised decision on connections for windfarms published recently by the CER.

The more specific issues regarding terms and arrangements, including costs, for grid connections are matters for the appropriate grid operator or by way of appeal to the Commission for Energy Regulation in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. I have no statutory function in such matters.