Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 100: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress being made on the construction of an east-west interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43690/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The East-West Interconnector is a 500 MegaWatt High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnector, which will link the electricity grids of Ireland and Britain. This project is of vital strategic importance to Ireland and its delivery to schedule by 2012 is a key Government priority.

The East West Interconnector will significantly enhance security of supply and will facilitate increased competition in the single electricity market. It will also underpin Ireland's progressive integration with the UK and European electricity market.

EirGrid, the State Body responsible for Transmission, has been entrusted with the development and ownership of this interconnector by the Government. Working closely with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and with my Department, EirGrid is progressing the project to schedule. The Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Act 2008 provides the necessary legal basis for EirGrid to construct, own and operate an interconnector.

I am advised that EirGrid expects the contract for design and construction of the interconnector to be completed in the coming months, 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. EirGrid has undertaken a marine survey to determine the most suitable route for the undersea cable.

Work is also progressing on the various applications for authorisations and permissions required along the entire route of the interconnector. On November 18th, EirGrid submitted a planning application to the Strategic Infrastructure Division of An Bord Pleanála for the project.

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. The project remains on track to meet these target completion dates, subject to the outcome of the planning processes.

Financing options for this project are being finalised by EirGrid with the objective of achieving the most cost-effective and efficient financial package. The interconnector will, as a national strategic asset, remain in public ownership and will be owned and operated by EirGrid.