Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 219: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in respect of the provision of gas and electricity interconnectors, north south and east west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10673/09]

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

The South North gas pipeline, constructed by Bord Gáis Éireann (Northern Ireland), and running from Gormanstown in County Meath to Ballyclare in County Antrim has been in operation since October 2006

The East-West and North-South electricity Interconnector projects are of strategic national importance and are key Government priorities.

EirGrid is conducting consultations and preparing a planning application for the North/South interconnector, which it expects to submit to the Strategic Infrastructure Board of An Bord Pleanála, this year. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is similarly progressing consultation and planning for the Northern route of the interconnector. The scheduled date for completion is 2012.

The East-West Interconnector is a 500MW High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnector, which will link the electricity grids of Ireland and the UK.

The East West interconnector will bring improved security of supply and increased competition in the single electricity market as well as assisting in achieving the Government's renewable targets.

EirGrid is responsible for the development and ownership of the East-West interconnector on behalf of the State. Working closely with the CER and with the Department, EirGrid is progressing the project to schedule and for completion operational start up, by 2012. The project is on track to meet the completion date subject to the outcome of the planning processes. The Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Act 2008 provides the necessary legal basis for EirGrid to construct, own and operate an interconnector.

The European Commission has included the East-West Interconnector on the list of strategic energy projects for funding under the European Economic Recovery Package, which is currently being negotiated in Brussels.

I welcome the Commission's recognition of the strategic importance of the project for Ireland and for Europe, and will continue to work with colleagues in the negotiations with Member States and the European Parliament to secure the funding.