Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the CER will launch the competition for design and construction of the east-west electricity interconnector by the end of 2007 as announced; if details of the winning contract for design and construction of the interconnector will be announced by end of quarter three 2008 as announced; if there is progress on the discussions between the CER and Eirgrid in relation to the funding of the interconnector; if he has investigated the possibility of fast-tracking the project in order that commercial operations can start earlier than early 2012 as currently envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35473/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I am advised by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) that EirGrid is launching the competition for the design and construction of the interconnector in the coming days. I am further advised that the contract for design and construction will be completed by the end of quarter 3, 2008, when the successful bidder will be announced.

As regards funding of the east-west interconnection development, both the CER and EirGrid are working to determine the most cost-effective and efficient arrangement.

In that context as signalled in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 the possibility of an Exchequer funded contribution for the project is being examined. My Department is engaging with the CER and Eirgrid on all technical and financial aspects of a business case for a proportion of Exchequer support for this strategic energy infrastructure project. Such support would of course require Government approval.

The CER and EirGrid are working intensively to expedite the delivery of the interconnector. I would emphasise that interconnection projects are of their nature complex not least because of the planning and related onshore infrastructure needs.

A number of key milestones have already been achieved. EirGrid has secured Woodland in County Meath as the connection point for the interconnector on the Irish transmission system. In recent weeks EirGrid has obtained a formal connection offer from the UK National Grid for Deeside in Wales. EirGrid has also commenced work on a seabed survey to determine the most suitable route for the undersea cable. In the coming year, the CER and EirGrid will continue to work to deliver the project to schedule.

Quarter 3 2011 is targeted for the completion of works with quarter 1 2012 targeted for the completion of commissioning and testing and the start of commercial operations.

The CER and EirGrid have planned the project to ensure that it is delivered in the shortest possible time frame. The programme outlined is time barred and ambitious. Where opportunities exist to undertake work in parallel, these will be taken. For example, the selection of the contractor to design and construct the interconnector is being carried out in parallel with the seeking of planning consents.

The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure Act) 2006 provides for a streamlined planning process for strategic infrastructure developments and includes special provision for electricity interconnector projects. To oversee and ensure completion to schedule, a High-Level Coordination Group has been established under the Chairmanship of the CER and comprising representatives of EirGrid and my Department.