Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the grid development strategy; the time frame for publication; the benefits of this strategy; the budget allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14677/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The availability of reliable, secure and competitively priced electricity supply is critical to Ireland's economic social and regional development and the competitiveness of Irish industry. The challenge is underlined by the continued growth in electricity demand in our economy, the need to accelerate the growth of renewable energy sources and the imperative to reduce green house gas emissions. The Government's Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government commits to a range of actions to deliver a secure and sustainable energy supply. The finalisation and implementation of a Grid Development Strategy to 2025 by EirGrid will be pivotal in terms of planning and delivering vitally necessary transmission infrastructure at regional and national level to 2025 and beyond.

The Grid Development Strategy is being finalised by EirGrid, in consultation with stakeholders. EirGrid is the wholly State-owned independent body with responsibility for the electricity transmission system in Ireland, including the wholesale electricity trading system. EirGrid delivers connections, transmission and market services to generators, suppliers and customers. EirGrid is also responsible for planning and delivering the investment and construction of the transmission networks system and the delivery of the East West Interconnector. The Grid Development Strategy will provide a comprehensive plan for the development of the electricity transmission grid system over the next two decades. Enhancement of the electricity grid will support the increased integration of renewable electricity, and support balanced regional development by meeting the needs of business and domestic consumers across Ireland.

The Strategy will identify transmission network development options to cater for forecast demand, renewable electricity targets, future conventional generators and planned interconnection. It will build on the existing €770 million capital investment programme in the transmission networks under the National Development Plan. All investments in electricity transmission and distribution networks are funded through use-of-system charges approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation. The additional investment needs required for the implementation of the Grid Development Strategy will be the subject of discussion and agreement between EirGrid and the Commission for Energy Regulation.