Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date in the provision of east west electricity interconnectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26545/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Security of energy supply is a key imperative for Ireland and the European Union. The relatively small size of the Irish electricity market underlines the need for greater interconnection as a means of enhancing security of supply, promoting competition and integrating the Irish electricity market. In this context, the East-West electricity interconnector project is a key priority for the Government. I recently brought the matter to Government for a decision as to the mechanism to secure East-West interconnection in terms of financing and developer selection, informed by the advice of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

My Department will now contact the CER to communicate the actions which should now be taken to ensure that the target date of no later than 2012 for operation of the interconnector is met. An announcement will be made shortly of the full detail of the Government decision proceeding with East-West interconnection. The Deputy will also note that the Committee Stage of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is scheduled to take place on 13th July next.

The Bill provides the necessary legislative powers for the CER, with my consent, to secure the construction of an interconnector by means of competitive tender, authorisation process, or inclusion in the development plans of the transmission system operator. The Bill provides for the possibility that related costs can be recouped through the transmission use of system charge. The Bill also addresses a present anomaly facilitating a regulated interconnector not owned by the ESB.