Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 458: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications for connection to the national electricity grid outstanding; the capacity of such applications; when connection is likely to be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10556/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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6,593 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity is currently connected to the grid. Connection agreements are in place for 3,906MW and a further approximately 5,800 MW are in the Gate 3 process established by CER to connect to the transmission and distribution systems. It is intended to connect all of this capacity as part of the ongoing development of the electricity distribution and transmission network over the coming years. It is anticipated that this capacity will allow Ireland to meet our target of 40% renewable electricity by 2020, as well as meeting forecasted future demand.

A number of applicants have also sought connection outside the Gate 3 process. These include 363 applicants from fossil fuel, interconnector, hydro and wind and other sources which comprise a total of 17,195MW.