On the historic 85th anniversary celebration of the development of Ardnacrusha power station, Minister Rabbitte emphasized the enormity of the Shannon Scheme which involved the construction and roll out of an electricity network system across the length and breadth of Ireland in 1927.

He also emphasized the importance of the vast body of work that has been undertaken over recent years in strengthening the network.

The Minister said "The fact that Ireland has now one of the leading electricity systems worldwide in terms of safety and reliability is no accident – it is part of careful and strategic planning over the past decade or so to ensure development and maintenance of the networks in the national interest."

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The Minister noted that it was a timely opportunity to highlight the importance of energy infrastructure and referenced the publication just last week of a major Government Policy Statement on Energy Infrastructure. He said: "Energy is the lifeblood of Ireland's economy and society. Our ability to rebuild the economy, deliver regional development, create jobs and growth and ensure the wellbeing of everyone as well as realising the economic potential of Ireland's own renewable energy resources requires significant energy infrastructure.

"Today Ireland's energy networks compare most favourably with other countries in terms of safety and resilience, owing to a period of important investment programmes successfully delivered by ESB Networks, EirGrid and Bord Gáis Éireann. Continuing the steady level of development and renewal of the networks is essential to ensure that Ireland’s energy system is fit for purpose, safe and secure, and ready to meet increased demand as economic conditions improve."

Minister Rabbitte went on to reaffirm the Government’s intention to retain the gas and electricity networks in State ownership, as national strategic infrastructure, to ensure that it is developed and maintained in the national interest.

(CD/GK)