asked the Minister for Energy if any consideration has been given to the re-establishment of the cross-Border electricity interconnector.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Border Electricity Interconnector.
14.
The electricity inter-connector, which was commissioned in 1970, has been out of action since 1975 due to malicious damage on the Northern side of the Border. The situation is being kept under review, and any opportunity that may arise for restoration of the link will be availed of.
I take it the Minister understands that if this inter-connector existed it would be a very major contributor to a reduction in the price of electricity. He did not indicate in his reply what attempts are being made to find safe ways of restoring the inter-connector so that it would not be interfered with by the Provos or by those who are doing the blowing up. Have any new ideas come forward for an inter-connector?
I am afraid that the record of attempts to restore the inter-connector is not great. For example, they have been frustrated by attacks and threats to Northern Ireland electricity workers. The last attempt made to repair the line was in March 1980 but it was abandoned when further threats were made against the lives of the workers. Therefore, I would not like to say that a further attempt is going to be made to connect it in the immediate future.
Perhaps the Minister could request John Hume to take a practical interest in this matter during his next discussions with Gerry Adams.