Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 December 2007
269 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the breakdown of the timetable that will ensure delivery of the east west electricity interconnector with Great Britain by 2012; and when he expects Eirgrid to report to him on its cost benefit analysis and feasibility planning for further interconnection with the UK and Europe. [33056/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that work on the project is progressing well. EirGrid, under the regulatory oversight of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), is finalising the structure of the competition to select a developer and is also progressing work on route selection and the technical specification of the interconnector.
To oversee and ensure delivery of the interconnector to schedule, a high level coordination group has been established under the Chairmanship of the CER and comprising representatives of EirGrid and my Department.
The CER has been advised by EirGrid that the interconnector will be operational by early 2012, subject to a number of critical targets being met. In particular, the delivery of the interconnector by this date is dependent upon receipt of planning permission, both in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with minimum delay and the availability of the materials for the construction of the interconnector.
I am advised by the CER that the most up-to-date timeline for delivery of the interconnector is as outlined as follows.
Q4 2007: Competition for the design and construction of the interconnector launched by EirGrid
EirGrid has indicated to the CER that it will be in a position to launch the competition for the design and construction of the interconnector before the end of the year.
Q3 2008: Winning bidder selected following competition and conclusion of contract negotiations
When the competition is completed, the winning bidder will be selected by EirGrid. Details of the contract for design and construction will be completed by the end of quarter 3, 2008.
Q3 2011: Completion of works — subject to material availability and planning permission
Planning applications to be submitted to the British and Irish authorities in mid 2008. Subject to receipt of planning permission and the availability of materials (such as cable and transformers), EirGrid estimates quarter 3, 2011 for the completion of works.
Q1 2012: Completion of commissioning and testing and commencement of commercial operations
Subject to the target of Q3 2011 being met for the construction of the interconnector, following a period of commissioning and testing, the interconnector will commence commercial operations in early 2012.
With regard to further interconnection with the UK and Europe, the current focus is on the delivery of the second north/south electricity interconnector and the east/west electricity interconnector. At the Government's request EirGrid, within the next two years, will undertake cost benefit analysis and feasibility planning for further interconnection with the UK and potentially with Europe in the longer term.
