Ministers host all-island energy forum

An important step towards an all-island energy market was agreed today at a Ministerial energy forum held in Drogheda.

NIO Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Ian Pearson and his Republic of Ireland counterpart Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Dermot Ahern, jointly hosted an all-island energy forum with senior representatives of the electricity, gas and renewable energy industries, the two regulatory authorities and government officials.

The purpose of the forum was to drive forward development of an all-island energy market and to review progress towards that aim.

Both Ministers pointed to the challenge for all on the island of Ireland to create a larger, more open and competitive market place for energy. The Ministers have agreed that to do this, a clear strategic vision is needed of where we want to go, and an agreed plan to achieve what would be a win-win situation for consumers, North and South.

The Ministers reiterated their support for the active engagement of all the key stakeholders in building on already close working relationships to drive the agenda forward.

Mr Ahern said: "Today’s Forum provides industry with an excellent opportunity to engage fully in discussions on the work programme, which should be undertaken, to advance the all-island energy market project."

Supporting this Mr Pearson added: "The energy markets are already connected in many ways. The challenges they face are interrelated. The two Governments, the regulatory authorities and the wider energy industry have a shared responsibility to address these challenges. That is why this forum is significant today."

The Ministers first met in July 2003 to agree a programme of work to develop an integrated and more competitive all-island energy market.

A Joint Steering Group drawn from senior representatives from the two Departments and the two Regulatory Authorities was established to oversee progress, and agree work in priority areas.

(SP)