Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: 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 Derry, which would enable wind energy produced in the north west to be sold 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. [43244/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Developing the electricity grid infrastructure in the North West in an economically viable and environmentally acceptable way is the key to optimising the North West renewable energy resources to the benefit of the region, the economy and consumers. The North West has the potential to become a net electricity exporter to the rest of the island and beyond.

EirGrid's GRID25 strategy 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.

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 890 MW and Leitrim/Roscommon having just over 250 MW of wind generation. 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.

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 Ballaghadereen 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 the latter context, EirGrid, in conjunction with SONI and Northern Ireland Electricity, is assessing the overall options for strengthening the linkages between the two networks. Eirgrid has confirmed with me that options for the Sorne line are being reviewed among several possible options being assessed. The specific lines and routes ultimately identified, will be subject to the normal planning processes North and South.