Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress in regard to the provision of the required electricity and gas interconnectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1974/06]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the provision of gas or electricity interconnectors, North-South and east-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2021/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 128 together.

Security of supply in relation to energy is a key policy objective. The relatively small size of our national electricity and gas markets underlines the need for greater interconnection as a means of enhancing security of supply, promoting competition and integrating the Irish electricity and gas markets into the wider European market.

The Government is fully committed to progressing the development of east-west electricity interconnection as a matter of priority. In line with the Government's priority wish, the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, at my Department's request has been engaged in a process of rigorous exploration of the options for such development and I expect to receive the Commission's advice shortly.

In November 2004, both Governments jointly endorsed plans put forward by the CER and the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation for the construction of a second North-South electricity interconnector. Planning for the construction of the interconnector is under way by the transmission system operators and it is estimated that the interconnector will be operational by 2012.

The additional east-west and North-South interconnectors will provide enhanced system security and reliability and will provide competition. The North-South interconnector development will also critically underpin the all-island single electricity market.

In terms of gas supply, our established good interconnection with the UK, which encompasses two gas interconnectors ensures that Ireland has sufficient importation capacity from external sources. A North-South gas pipeline is also under construction and is scheduled for commissioning in October 2006. The pipeline will extend from Gormanston County Meath to Belfast.