Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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689. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware of the UK Office of Gas and Electricity Markets' reversal of its previous decision regarding the greenlink interconnector between the United Kingdom and Ireland; his views on the advantages and-or disadvantages to the Irish consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36481/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I understand that in August 2014 Ofgem, the electricity regulator in Great Britain (GB), established an assessment process for applications from promoters of electricity interconnectors for access to GB’s Cap and Floor regime, which is the regulatory support mechanism for interconnector development. Subsequently, Element Power Ltd submitted an application to Ofgem for access to the Cap and Floor regime in respect of the Greenlink project, a proposed 500MW High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea interconnector between Great Island in Wexford and Pembroke in Wales.

I am also aware that on 30 September 2015 Ofgem granted Greenlink access to the Cap and Floor regime in principle, and subject to a number of conditions. This decision followed an updated assessment of an initial assessment by Ofgem of the application by Element Power. Ofgem has concluded that the project is likely to be in the interests of GB consumers and GB as a whole. The decision represents the first stage in the assessment process.

The Ofgem decision is available at .

The Regulation of the electricity market in Ireland is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and I have no function in the matter. As regards the advantages or disadvantages of this project, it is a matter for the CER to undertake the appropriate assessment of this interconnection project. I understand that over the coming months the CER intends to carry out a public consultation on interconnection policy.