Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the provision of the north/south and east/west electricity interconnectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10984/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Government's Energy Policy Framework 2007-2020, underlines the Government's commitment to ensuring completion of the ongoing capital investment programme by EirGrid and ESB in the transmission and distribution network by 2010 and overseeing further extensive investment in strategic energy infrastructure. The Government is giving particular priority to the delivery of the second North South electricity interconnector by 2011 and the East-West interconnector by 2012. Enhanced interconnection is critical for the island of Ireland in terms of security of supply, competition and integration with regional energy markets.

As part of its ongoing transmission development plan, and in line with the Government's Energy White Paper, EirGrid is currently undertaking the planning, construction and reinforcement of a number of transmission lines as well as the second North-South Interconnector and the East-West interconnector. The North South Interconnector project, which is being undertaken jointly with the Northern Ireland Transmission Operator will underpin the All Island Single Electricity Market and will enhance security of supply. Concerns about overhead transmission lines have been raised in public consultation under the planning process. In order to assist and inform public debate on the issue I have asked my Department to commission an independent study in relation to overhead and underground transmission lines. The study is due for completion by end April.

The East West Interconnector will integrate Ireland more closely into the UK and wider European energy market in line with EU objectives for a fully Internal Energy Market will enhance security of supply and underpin the continued development, and export potential, of renewables. EirGrid has commenced preparatory work for the purposes of building the East West interconnector in the context of the planning process under the Strategic Infrastructure Act. I will shortly publish legislation enabling EirGrid to own and operate the East West interconnector.