John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the scale of interconnection projects being advanced by other European countries, particularly the 580 kilometre 700MW interconnector being built between Norway and the Netherlands at a cost of €500 million; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the time from decision to operation on this project will be slightly over three years; the reason that interconnection with Britain and north-west Europe is proceeding so incredibly slowly by comparison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14802/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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There are a significant number of interconnector projects planned and underway in Europe. Greater interconnection between Member States is a key urgent priority for the European Union to ensure the effective working of the internal market and security of supply. It is also critical for the integration of renewable energy into the grid. The EU Commission has identified in its Priority Interconnection Plan some 40 high-priority projects of European Interest, which includes Ireland's East/West interconnector. Enhanced interconnection right across Europe is critically important for Ireland as a peripheral regional energy market. The East/West Interconnector and potential interconnection with Europe in future is of national strategic importance.

The reality is that a significant number of European interconnection projects have experienced delays for various reasons. The complexity of planning and other approval procedures is the major reason for most delays. Relevant factors include opposition from local communities, complexity in identifying cross-border points, difficult terrain and the need for major grid reinforcements. In that context I am advised that the Norway–Netherlands interconnector project has been considerably longer than three years in the making. The need to accelerate the delivery of interconnection projects is underlined in the European Priority Interconnection Plan. The Commission is reviewing the existing guidelines for Trans-European Energy Networks with a view to requiring Member States to have planning and approval procedures completed in a maximum timeframe of five years.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and EirGrid are working intensively to expedite delivery of the East/West Interconnector. The CER and EirGrid have planned the project to ensure that it is delivered in line with the 2012 target for completion. Where opportunities exist to undertake work in parallel, these are being taken. For example, the selection of the developer to construct the interconnector is being carried out in parallel with advancing the various planning processes, under the Strategic Infrastructure Act and the Foreshore Acts. Since the Government Decision to proceed with the interconnector in July 2006, a number of milestones have already been achieved. EirGrid has secured connection points for the interconnector on both the Irish and UK transmission systems, at Woodland in County Meath and Deeside in Wales. Detailed preparations are ongoing in relation to formal applications for planning and other consents. EirGrid is also finalising a seabed survey to determine the most suitable route for the undersea cable.

The CER and EirGrid will continue to work to deliver the project to schedule by 2012. EirGrid is targeting the end of 2008 to announce the successful bidder for the design and construction of the interconnector. 2011 is targeted for the completion of works with 2012 targeted for the start of commercial operations. The recently published Bill provides for the expansion of the functions of EirGrid to include the construction, ownership and operation of an interconnector, subject to the granting of relevant licences and authorisations by the CER. A high-level coordination group has been established to oversee the project and ensure completion to schedule. The Group is chaired by CER and comprises representatives of EirGrid and my Department.