Vol. 413 No. 9
171 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the stage at which plans have reached concerning the electricity interconnector with Britain; and if there are any current plans to reconnect the North/South interconnector.
Discussions about the possibility of an interconnector with the UK have taken place between ESB and the National Grid Company in the UK at a technical level and a joint report on the matter was drawn up in May 1991. While the report concluded that an undersea link was technically feasible, the options relating to the characteristics of interconnection and question of the most suitable route are matters which will have to be further considered by both sides. As I have said on earlier occasions it is my intention subject to technical and economic feasibility and with due regard to timing that such interconnection be carried out.
Regarding the re-establishment of the North-South interconnector, this matter is reviewed on a regular basis between the electricity utilities on both sides, the ESB and NIE. However, the question of its re-connection is a security matter, rather than one of technical or economic feasibility; there are no immediate plans for re-connection.
