Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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EirGrid has a statutory obligation to explore and develop opportunities for interconnection with other transmission systems. The benefits of electricity and gas interconnection with other countries are numerous. Interconnectors enhance security of supply, increase competitiveness, and improve integration of renewable electricity generation resources.

In the context of achieving a fully functioning and connected internal energy market, measures are expected to be taken at EU and member state levels to increase electricity interconnections between EU member states by 2020. These measures will be pursued through the implementation of EU "Projects of Common Interest" (PCIs).

In June 2013, EirGrid and its French counterpart, RTE (Réseau de Transport d’Électricité) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to commission studies on the feasibility of building a submarine electricity interconnector between Ireland and France. Pre-feasibility studies to investigate a possible interconnector took place between 2011 and 2013. The forthcoming studies will involve desktop exercises and marine surveys to collect data to inform a decision on the feasibility and possible benefits of such an interconnector. If, on completion of the studies, the project is deemed viable, both partners would then decide on progression to the planning and development stages. No decision has yet been made on whether or not to proceed with this proposal and one is not expected until 2016 at the earliest. The project is on the current list of PCIs adopted by the European Commission.