Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 573: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the major expansion of the electrical grid here, in particular the 400 kv Meath-Cavan power line, is part of the electrical strategic infrastructure projects in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34951/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The European Union has committed to ensure secure and competitively priced electricity markets into the future. Enhanced interconnection between electricity systems is a key priority for Europe. The Programme for Government and the Energy Policy Framework underlines the Government's commitment to a sustainable energy future through a range of measures including increased electricity and gas interconnection and robust networks infrastructure which will also support greater integration of renewable energy onto the system.

The Woodland (County Meath) to Kingscourt (County Cavan) 400 kV Power Line will reinforce the power system in the North East, facilitating more competition in generation and secure power supplies for all customers. The new lines are needed because transmission lines in the region will reach full capacity in the near future. The new lines will facilitate more competitive and reliable power, which is critical to keeping the north east region on a level playing field in its ability to attract investment and ensure economic activity and employment. The Meath-Cavan Power Line project is in line with national and regional economic policy objectives, the National Spatial Strategy, the National Development Plan and the Government's energy policy priorities in relation to energy infrastructure and security of supply.

The European Union Trans-European Network for Energy has funded 50% of the stage 1 planning phase for both the Meath-Cavan Power Line and the Cavan-Tyrone Interconnector.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 574: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the discussions that have taken place between him or his Department and his EU counterparts in relation to provision of new power lines in member states; if the option of placing such lines underground was discussed, the conclusions from such talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34953/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

While I have not had any direct discussions to date with European Ministerial colleagues on the provision of energy infrastructure, or transmission lines in particular, it has been agreed in the context of the European Energy Strategic Review that urgent measures are needed to develop effective energy and adequate infrastructure, including electricity networks, right across Europe. It is the case that some 97% of the onshore high-voltage transmission network in Europe is carried by overhead lines.