Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in regard to the provision of east-west and North-South electricity interconnectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21618/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The planning, development and routing of transmission line infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid, which is the wholly State-owned company responsible for operating the electricity transmission system, including the wholesale electricity trading system. EirGrid delivers connections, transmission and market services to generators, suppliers and customers, using the high voltage electricity system and in this context is also responsible for planning the construction of high voltage transmission lines.

The approval of the Transmission System Development Plan, which includes power lines, is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is statutorily independent in carrying out its functions. Individual power lines also require approval through the relevant planning process.

EirGrid is developing the second North South electricity interconnector in conjunction with its Northern Ireland counterpart in the context of the Single Electricity Market. The increased capacity provided by the interconnector will enhance security of supply and promote competition. In addition to the benefits on an all island basis, EirGrid is strengthening the high voltage network in Counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, thereby adding to the availability of bulk high quality power in the North East. The importance of strengthening the network is shown by the fact that such networks have helped facilitate high-tech manufacturing plants in north-west Dublin and east Kildare.

EirGrid is currently engaging in further public consultation on the North South interconnector and Meath Cavan transmission lines. Following that consultation process, a formal application will be made to An Bord Pleanála.

With regard to the East/West interconnector, in 2006 the Government requested the CER to arrange the design of a competition to secure the construction of a 500 megawatt interconnector by 2012. The Government decided that the interconnector will, as a national strategic asset, remain in public ownership and will be owned by EirGrid. To this end, I have introduced legislation, which recently completed Committee Stage in the Dáil, to allow EirGrid to construct, own, operate and maintain the interconnector.

I am advised that EirGrid expects the contract for design and construction of the interconnector to be completed by late 2008, when the successful bidder will be announced. EirGrid has secured Woodland in County Meath as the connection point for the interconnector on the Irish transmission system and Deeside in Wales on the UK side. Furthermore, EirGrid has undertaken a marine survey to determine the most suitable route for the undersea cable. Late 2011 is the target for the completion of works and 2012 is the target for the completion of commissioning and testing and the start of commercial operations.