Vol. 429 No. 6
21 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the Government's policy on the provision of an interconnector to connect the Irish electrical national grid with those of the United Kingdom and continental European countries; and if the Government has any objections, in principle, to the importation of electricity generated by nuclear power by way of this interconnector.
26 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the proposals, if any, there are for the construction of an electricity interconnector between this country and Britain; if such an interconnector would draw power from nuclear power stations in Britain; if it is intended to re-open the electricity interconnector with Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
34 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, he has for an electricity interconnector; if a cost-benefit analysis has been carried out; if so, the results of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
50 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will raise with the Northern Ireland authorities the desirability of their taking steps to re-open the electricity interconnector with Northern Ireland which has been out of operation since 1974 and the absence of which causes great expense to the electricity boards both in the Republic and in Northern Ireland.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 26, 34 and 50 together. The ESB is conducting a feasibility study in relation to the possibilities for electricity interconnection with the UK. Part of this feasibility study involves seabed surveys of possible routes for an interconnector. It is recognised that the link is technically feasible and could yield benefits such as saving on fuel costs, reducing the need for new plant and the amount of plant reserved for emergencies. However, before these benefits can be estimated accurately the undersea cable costs need to be identified. I expect to have the results of the studies fairly soon.
It is too early at this stage of the project to consider details of particular contracts for the supply of electricity. The competitive electricity market in the UK will permit the ESB to choose the electricity company or plant from which it will purchase electrical power. This means that there is no requirement to purchase nuclear generated electricity.
I am very anxious that the restoration of the electricity link with Northern Ireland be undertaken at the earliest opportunity. As the Deputy is aware the difficulty with restoration of this line is primarily a security one. I can assure the Deputy that the issue is under constant review by authorities on both sides of the Border.
(Limerick East): A study is being undertaken at present by the Minister in respect of a major interconnector between the United Kingdom and Ireland. Has he had any discussions with the authorities in Britain or Northern Ireland with a view to sharing the importation of electricity through one connector which would serve the whole island rather than having two interconnectors, which seems to be the approach being adopted by this Government and the Northern Ireland office?
This is a matter which can be looked at in the context of the discussions which are taking place at present.
(Limerick East): I put it to the Minister that this would be an appropriate topic for an early agenda for the Anglo-Irish Conference. Will he give a commitment to the House that he will seek to place the item on such an agenda?
Certainly I will seek to put on the agenda the question of interconnectors in Northern Ireland. If the Deputy wishes that a discussion take place on the possibilities for the type of connector suggested by him. I am sure that matter can be explored and we will move on from there.
