“A good day for consumers and for improved energy security”

“The launch of the €600m electricity interconnector between Ireland and Britain is an historic day in the relations between our two countries.  This major Irish energy infrastructure project enables direct electricity trading between Ireland and Britain.

“The project presages the development of an energy export sector from Ireland to Britain.  Ireland has the capacity to generate more energy than we can consume and Britain has a need for more energy than it will produce.  There are thousands of jobs that will be created if the two Governments can facilitate this emerging trade.

“Towards this end both Governments aim to complete an inter-governmental framework by the end of the year. Today I will meet again with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey M.P. to discuss further energy cooperation and renewables strategy. As well as that I will also host a bilateral with EU Commissioner Oettinger to plan Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Energy Council which starts on 1 January.

“Today’s development enhances energy security as well as being a god day for consumers.”