Ireland-Wales electricity link a step closer

Ambitious plans to link Ireland’s electricity network with Wales could come to life early in the new year, it was revealed today.

New legislation will be put before the Dáil in 2008 to allow energy firm Eirgrid to construct, own, operate and maintain an interconnector across the Irish Sea.

Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, said the Bill would be a priority for the Government.

The power line is expected to run from Woodland in Co Meath to Deeside in Wales.

Work on a marine survey to determine the best route is also getting underway.

The interconnector should be carrying power by 2012 and the Government hopes it will enable the export of wind-generated electricity to other European countries.

“When complete, this interconnector will have a capacity of 500 megawatts - the equivalent of power to 350,000 homes,” the minister said.

“It will assist in our security of supply and provide greater competition in the Irish electricity market. It will integrate Ireland’s electricity system into the wider European market and offer opportunities for export of wind-generated electricity.”

“Renewable electricity is the power of the future. We need this interconnector to allow companies to invest in wind power, secure in the knowledge that they will have easy access to the wider UK and European markets.”

This week Eirgrid will launch the bidding process for the design and construction of the interconnector.

A second interconnector linking up with the North’s electricity network is also being planned.