Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 211: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he intends to respond to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19985/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that I have received the correspondence in question concerning East/West electricity interconnection. It is my policy to respond to all correspondence as soon as possible. A key provision of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill proposes to remove a legislative constraint to facilitate regulated electricity interconnection not owned by Electricity Supply Board. Such an interconnection would not be part of the transmission system other than for the purpose of charges for use of the transmission system. The Bill further provides that the construction of an interconnector requires an authorisation granted by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The CER may, with my consent, secure the construction of the interconnector by specified means, including by competitive tender, by authorisation granted without a prior competitive tender, or directly by requesting the transmission system operator as part of its development plan. Additionally, the Bill provides that an interconnector operator shall offer access to the interconnector on the basis of published non-discriminatory terms under the oversight and approval of the CER. A dispute appeals mechanism is also provided for.