Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 1: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will have discussions with EirGrid to promote the construction of a 7 km cable from Sorn Station in County Donegal to Coolkeeragh Station in County Derry, which would enable wind energy produced in the north-west of the Republic of Ireland to be sold on in the UK and European markets; his views on the potential for wind energy production on the peninsular north–west Atlantic coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35839/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The North West is particularly rich in renewable energy resources. Facing on to the Atlantic Ocean, the peninsula has probably the best wind energy and ocean energy potential anywhere in Europe. Developing the electricity grid infrastructure in the North West, in an economically viable and environmentally acceptable way, is the key to harvesting these rich natural resources to the benefit of the region, the economy and consumers. The North West certainly has the potential to become a net electricity exporter to the rest of the island and beyond.

I fully support EirGrid's GRID25 strategy, which sets out in broad terms the development required in each region of the country out to 2025. EirGrid concludes that the capacity of the backbone transmission system needs to be doubled in the period from now to 2025 in order to meet future levels of demand, security of supply needs and to deliver on our ambitions for renewable energy. Upgrading the grid on the scale required will reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, support our climate change and renewable energy targets, contribute to energy efficiency, and ensure the right conditions for attracting industry in support of regional development.

Grid25 states that the renewable energy demand in the North West region could grow by up to 60% by 2025. EirGrid's assessment is that Donegal could have almost 700 MW of wind generation by 2025, with Mayo/Galway having around 890MW and Leitrim/Roscommon having just over 250 MW of wind. This is in addition to the potential for 300 MW of ocean generating technologies where the challenge is to get to large scale deployment over the next decade. I welcome EirGrid's clear recognition of the potential of the North West region to deliver over 2,000 MW of renewable electricity over the next 15 or so years.

An ambitious but cost effective level of transmission infrastructure will be needed to deliver this renewable capacity, in a region which is acknowledged to have a relatively weak transmission system currently. Grid25 has already identified the key infrastructure upgrades for the North West region: · Investment of approximately €750m to upgrade almost 700 km of the existing transmission network in the North West and to build new circuits; · Extension of the 220 kV network into Sligo, which is already in progress; · 110 kV reinforcements between Killybegs and Letterkenny, and between Ballaghadreen and Castlebar; · Major infrastructural development from Mayo to the main bulk transmission system in the eastern part of the region; · Further integration of the Donegal and Northern Ireland networks in conjunction with NIE, the Northern Ireland Transmission company.

In that latter context EirGrid, in conjunction with SONI and Northern Ireland Electricity, is assessing the overall options for strengthening the linkages between the two networks. The Sorne line referred to in the question is one of several possible options which the study is looking at. The specific lines and routes ultimately identified, will be subject to the normal planning processes North and South.

In conclusion I fully endorse the need to unlock the potential of the North West to generate and export very significant amounts of renewable electricity and the key strategic role the region will play in delivering our national targets. The benefits of enhanced cross border electricity grid connections are self evident for both systems. This will be critical for both Northern Ireland and Ireland as we work respectively to deliver on the island's renewable energy potential and to support jobs and growth to the benefit of citizens North and South.