Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of electricity interconnectors proposed; if it is intended to proceed by way of public or private enterprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33576/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The development of further interconnection with neighbouring markets is a key strategic priority for the Government. The delivery of further interconnection to Northern Ireland and to Britain is central to security of supply. It is also fully in line with the EU emphasis on physical interconnection. Work is underway jointly by EirGrid and SONI on a new North South electricity interconnector for completion by 2011. The Government has endorsed plans to expedite the construction of a 500 MW electricity interconnector between Wales and Ireland. The Government has requested the CER to undertake a competition to select a developer to secure the construction of this interconnector no later than 2012.

To facilitate the development process, the Government is providing new arrangements in respect of the construction ownership and operation of future interconnectors in the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006. In that regard I have already confirmed the Government's intention to vest the ownership of the new East/West Interconnector in EirGrid. The Bill, which is currently at Report Stage in the Dáil, provides that the CER may, with my consent, secure the construction of an interconnector by one or more means, including by competitive tender. Such consent will be contingent on final Government approval. Working together with the Northern Ireland authorities, the Government will continue to progress electricity interconnection initiatives in the context of the All-island Energy Market. The two transmission system operators, Northern Ireland Electricity and EirGrid, recently announced plans for a second North-South electricity interconnector, This will more than double the existing cross-border electricity transfer capacity to over 600MW with an expected completion date of 2012 at the latest. Planning for decisions in relation to the further interconnection with Britain or potentially with the European mainland will begin in 2010.