Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 647: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the east west interconnector; the proposed route of this interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4600/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Government attaches the highest priority to the development of the east west electricity interconnector, which will contribute to security of supply and competitiveness as well as providing increased potential for the export of wind-generated electricity. Greater interconnection between Member States is also a key priority for the European Union to ensure the effective working of the Internal Market.

On foot of a Government decision in 2006, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) was requested to arrange the design of a competition to secure the construction of a 500 megawatt interconnector at the earliest possible date before 2012. The Government also decided that the interconnector will, as a national strategic asset, remain in public ownership and will be owned by EirGrid. I will introduce legislation shortly to allow EirGrid to construct, own, operate and maintain the interconnector. Work on the project is progressing well. In recent weeks EirGrid, overseen by the CER, launched the competition for the design and construction of the interconnector. I am 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.

EirGrid is also advancing work on route selection and technical specification of the interconnector. It has secured Woodland in County Meath as the connection point for the interconnector on the Irish transmission system. EirGrid has also obtained a formal connection offer from the UK National Grid for Deeside in Wales, which it has accepted. Furthermore, EirGrid has begun work on a marine survey to determine the most suitable route for the undersea cable. When this survey is completed, the final route to link the two connection points will be determined.

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. 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.