Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of the consideration of the Exchequer making a contribution towards the Strategic Energy Infrastructure Programme announced in the National Development Plan; the amount of money that has been invested under this programme to date; the outcomes particularly under the two headings of improved gas interconnection and strategic reserve capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35481/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Strategic Energy Infrastructure Programme of the National Development Plan envisages the investment of over €1.25 billion in key strategic energy infrastructure projects. A number of large scale public good energy infrastructure projects have been identified in the Programme. These projects include the construction of the East/West electricity interconnector, the construction of a second North/South interconnector, enhanced security of gas interconnection through strengthening the Ireland/Scotland gas link and strategic oil and gas storage.

Because of the scale, strategic importance and immediacy of national energy needs, the Government will consider the possibility of an Exchequer contribution to fund, where appropriate and on a case by case basis, certain energy infrastructure projects over the period of the National Development Plan. Any decisions in this regard will be a matter for the Government.

The possibility of an Exchequer contribution to the cost of the East West Interconnector project is currently under consideration. The technical and financial details of a business case in this regard are being developed by EirGrid and the Commission for Energy Regulation together with my Department. The question of Exchequer funding to support potential projects on gas interconnection reinforcement and strategic oil and gas storage will be explored as part of the decision making process for such projects at the appropriate time.