Roger T. Garland
Ceist:100 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Energy the proposed date for the final commissioning of an electrical interconnector with the EC grid, as outlined in the National Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Electrical Interconnector Grid.
It is much too early to say when an interconnector is likely to be commissioned. 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.
The situation in the UK has changed considerably, however, due to the privatisation of its electricity industry. Nevertheless, I agreed recently with the Secretary of State for Energy in the UK that a fresh impetus would be given to pre-planning work on a possible interconnector at official level.