Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a call from Eirgrid for more to be done to construct the 250MW per annum needed to reach the Government's renewables targets; if, in view of the increased target for renewables to 40%, this has increased the need for faster construction of the grid; if this is on track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43634/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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EirGrid, as the State body responsible for the national transmission system, is working to deliver the necessary upgrading and expansion of the transmission grid in the interests of the economy and regional development. I welcome the call by EirGrid's Chief Executive for collective engagement by all stakeholders in meeting the challenges inherent in delivering vitally needed new transmission infrastructure, which is safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable.

I share his view that all stakeholders working together have to find a way to balance overall public good and economic and social policy objectives with the concerns of individuals and local communities.

The development of our high capacity grid network is needed to meet overall demand for electricity by business and consumers, to provide the critical infrastructure needed for balanced regional development and security of supply and to deliver on Ireland's renewable energy targets. If we are to achieve significant levels of penetration of renewable energy onto the network, major development of the transmission grid is required.

EirGrid launched its Grid Development Strategy, Grid25, on 8th October 2008. It sets out a roadmap for the development of the electricity transmission network for the next 17 years and aims to invest €4bn in the grid over that period, effectively doubling the grid's current capacity. The strategy is designed to meet forecasted national electricity demand and to attract and maintain industry in the regions. It also allows for increased interconnectivity with the European grid, thereby allowing increasing competition in the market, contributing to security of supply and providing opportunities for indigenous renewable energy generation. Grid25's strategies and assumptions around renewable energy generation are consistent with the All-island Grid Study and provide for renewable energy penetration of up to 40% by 2025, in line with Government targets.

I welcome the progress that EirGrid is already making in rolling out key grid infrastructure projects such as the East West Interconnector, North South and Meath Cavan Transmission lines. These projects are scheduled to be delivered in 2012. These projects are critical in terms of regional and national demand and will support the increased penetration of renewable generation, particularly wind generation, in the Irish market. The East West Interconnector will also allow surplus power to be exported to Britain in times of high wind generation.

There are very many challenges ahead. I have every confidence that EirGrid, as the State-owned transmission company, will continue to work in the national interest and in conjunction with all stakeholders, to deliver a sustainable transmission system in support of economic and social needs. I look forward to continued positive engagement from stakeholders and public representatives on this important national priority and I am confident, that EirGrid will remain on track to deliver on our ambitious but achievable renewable electricity targets.