Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
70 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is planned to proceed with proposals for the construction of two electricity connectors to Wales; when it is likely that construction will commence and when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25639/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has given its approval to the development of two 500 MW east-west-Ireland-Wales electricity interconnectors. The development is being pursued as a priority in order to maximise the contribution to competitiveness, security of supply and integration of Ireland into a wider European energy market.
The Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, has been requested to develop proposals to activate a process exploring all possible options for the development of the two 500 MW electricity interconnectors on a hybrid-regulated basis. The CER is currently engaging external professional advice to assist it in framing a competitive type process to deliver the interconnection at the earliest possible date. I am advised that on 29 September last, the CER invited a shortlist of consultants to submit appropriate tenders.
As regards likely construction, commencement and completion dates, it is not possible at this stage to be definitive on this, but realistically commissioning is not envisaged until 2009-10. The next step is to conduct a detailed sub-sea feasibility study, examining matters such as submarine cable routing, onshore deep reinforcement works on both sides of the Irish Sea as well as a range of other technical and commercial issues. This is a very highly detailed and complex study, which will effectively provide a project plan ready for construction.
The Government has given approval for a Bill to remove, inter alia, a legislative constraint thereby facilitating a regulated interconnector not owned by ESB and to underpin, as needed, any competitive process for regulated interconnection hosted by the CER.
