Seán Power
Question:12 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he intends to re-establish the North-South electricity interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8955/95]
Written Answers. - North-South Electricity Connector.
James Leonard
Question:28 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if EU funding has been secured for the restoration of the electricity interconnector with Northern Ireland. [10297/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 28 together.
The North/South electricity interconnector was commissioned in 1970 but due to sabotage attacks, has been out of commission since 1975.
However, as a result of the peace initiative, the ESB and Northern Ireland Electricity —NIE — undertook a review of the position and late last year a decision was taken to proceed with its restoration. The interconnector was energised in April this year and is now fully operational.
An application for an EU financial contribution under the INTERREG 2 Programme towards the cost of restoring the inter-connector is currently being prepared.