22 November 2004

Plans for second cross-border electricity inter-connector announced

The British and Irish Government’s today announced plans for a second cross-border electricity inter-connector.

The news was unveiled in the all-island energy strategy published on Monday by the Enterprise, Trade and Investment and its Irish counterpart the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

Construction of the new inter-connector is expected to take between seven and 10 years and cost at least £70 million, however it is hoped that an all-island electricity market will bring reduced bills for both domestic and business users through greater competition.

Speaking following today’s launch alongside Irish Minister Noel Dempsey, Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner said: “Minister Dempsey and I have committed our Governments to working towards the creation of an all-island energy market that will deliver practical results which are mutually beneficial.

“This is part of the wider European drive to integrate energy markets. We are pleased that the Regulatory Authorities and industry have responded so positively to making this happen.

“We also welcome the Regulatory Authorities’ recommendation that a second electricity interconnector should be built between Northern Ireland and the Republic. They have made a sound strategic and economic case for this project. We have therefore endorsed their plans to work with the industry to identify the route, size and cost of the proposed interconnector.”

The Federation of Small Businesses welcomed today’s proposals by saying it would provide “light at the end of the tunnel for a much needed reduction in high energy costs for local businesses”.

Spokesperson Wesley Wilkinson said: “Developing an All Island Market has been a major policy objective of the FSB for sometime and we feel sure that extending competition will be a very positive development for our entire economy.

“However these benefits are to be had in the longer term and would urge DETI to redouble its efforts with the European Commission to implement its proposed reduction in small business electricity bills in the short term.”

(MB)