Coffey welcomes further progress on plans of interconnector between Ireland and France

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Tuesday) welcomed news of further progress on plans being developed by Eirgrid and the French Transmission System Operator, RTE, for an electricity interconnector between Ireland and France. Deputy Coffey raised this matter with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD, a number of months ago.

“This is extremely positive news and could have long term positive impact on our energy sector. I am now calling for these plans to be progressed as soon as possible in the interests of energy security, developing critical infrastructure and making our country more competitive. While the cost of this project will be expensive in the long term it will have a positive impact on householders as it will allow for greater competition in the energy sector.

“These plans will help to meet the future energy demands and develop infrastructure to facilitate the export of surplus renewable energy generated on this island to mainland Europe. I’m working with Sean Kelly MEP to progress this within the EU and with international colleagues as EU assistance and capital investment will be required.

“The multi-billion euro Connecting Europe Facility, which was recently voted through by the European Parliament’s powerful Energy Committee, of which Sean Kelly MEP is a member, will be a key source of finance for this project when the feasibility studies are complete; upon a final decision will be made towards the end of 2015.”

“We in Ireland have a small energy market but it has huge growth potential and developments like this are hugely positive. The plans show long term thinking that could be of massive benefit to Ireland in years to come and I would encourage Eirgrid to continue their work in this area to try and get this interconnector progressed.”