I propose to take Questions Nos. 5, 13, 14 and 25 together.
The report of the working group on interconnection in 1988 concluded that an electricity link with the UK appeared to be economically viable and merited consideration of proceeding with pre-contract phase discussions and studies. Detailed discussions and studies have not yet commenced but it is expected that these would take about one to two years to complete at which stage it would be possible to make a definite decision on whether to proceed with the link. The group estimated that the total capital cost of the interconnector would be approximately £160 million, in 1985 prices, and that there would be a six year lead time to complete the link.
The report also concluded that there was a strong economic case for restoration of the link to Northern Ireland but that there were other difficulties involved in this regard. Continuous attacks and threats by subversives have frustrated efforts to restore the line.
The report centred on the technical and economic feasibility of electricity interconnection but other aspects, including the source of the electricity, would have to be considered before any final decision is made.
Regarding common carrier rules for electricity, at this stage the Commission is only referring to transit rights between European electricity utilities as opposed to common carriage which would give users the choice of supplier. The possibility of agreement on this proposal enhances Ireland's interest in interconnection and in the economic feasibility of such a proposal. At the most recent Energy Council in October, I accepted the general approach of the Commission's proposal as being an appropriate one and in our best interests.