Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 660: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the provisions being made to provide additional electrical storage capacity to meet fluctuations in supply; and if there is no strategic management plan for storage of electricity, if he will undertake a review of the issue as soon as possible in view of the rapid expansion in the market and the greater degree of fluctuations in supply. [5112/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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System planning, analysis and operation of the electricity network to ensure continuity of electricity supplies to customers, as the capacity of variable generating plants connected increases, is a matter for the system operator, EirGrid, operating under the supervision of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Energy storage has been developed over the years in Ireland where it can make a useful contribution to balancing electricity supply and consumer demand. This is the case at the ESB's pumped water power station at Turlough Hill. It is possible that new technology developments could enhance the viability of storage options in the future. Developments will be kept under close review by my Department in consultation with EirGrid and CER.