Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total of renewable energy awaiting connection to the grid; when the application process will be completed; the number of offshore wind applications that have been received; the length of time since receipt of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10528/09]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent of wind applications to the grid that exist; the position regarding these applications; if the onshore providers awaiting access to the grid will be given less favourable status than offshore wind applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10501/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 58 together.

In addition to the circa 1,400 megawatts (MWs) of renewable energy generating capacity already connected to the grid, there is a further 1,400 MW of projects with signed connection offers. EirGrid and ESB Networks, following decisions by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), are in the process of offering connections for a further 3,900 MWs of capacity from a published queue exceeding 6,000 MWs. Virtually all of the capacity currently in the connection processes is windpower.

I am advised that there are three offshore projects in the Gate 3 process with a combined capacity of 785 MW out of a total of 3,890 MW overall in the process. The gate 3 process, which is organised directly by the CER, includes both onshore and offshore projects and the criteria for project selection used was date of receipt of the application.