Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed news that plans are being developed by Eirgrid and the French Transmission System Operator, RTE, for an electricity interconnector between Ireland and mainland Europe. Deputy Coffey was commenting after receiving the news by way of a Parliamentary Question.

He said: "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 interest of energy security, developing critical infrastructure and making our country more competitive.

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"These plans will help to meet 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 and with international colleagues to progress this within the EU 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 Energy Committee, of which Sean Kelly MEP is a member, will be a key source of finance for this project when it comes on stream in 2014."

(CD/GK)