Sir, - I refer to your Editorial "Obstacles to Industry" (September 8th), and specifically to your points about electricity supply. I would like to clarify a few points regarding electricity interconnection between ESB and NIE.
In 1990-91, while the main 275kV north-south interconnector between Tandragee and Louth was still out of service, NIE and ESB carried out joint studies, reviewing interconnection between their electricity systems. These studies resulted in the construction of two new 110kV standby connections which were commissioned in December 1994. Subsequently, the main north-south interconnector was restored to service in March 1995.
One of the 110kV connections links Strabane to Letterkenny and provides support from the NIE system to the ESB system in north Donegal. The other links Enniskillen with the ESB system near Swanlinbar and provides support from the ESB system to the NIE system in Fermanagh.
Subsequent to the commissioning of these cross-border connections, Coolkeeragh Power Ltd developed a proposal to supply part of the electricity demand in north Donegal from its power station outside Londonderry. This would require a connection through the NIE system and we have worked with Coolkeeragh from the beginning to facilitate this. We have designed the necessary modifications to our system between Londonderry and Strabane to allow the Strabane-Letterkenny link to be used in this new way. We stand ready to implement these modifications should the Coolkeeragh proposal come to fruition. NIE is committed to strengthening its interconnections with its neighbours. We continue to regularly review with ESB the possibilities for further interconnections between the two electricity systems in Ireland. We are happy to work with anyone who has identified an economic case for further interconnection.
Please be assured that if Donegal faces a problem with access to power supplies, is not due to any decision by NIE. - Yours, etc.,
Harry McCracken,
Managing Director,
Northern Ireland Electricity,
Malone Road,
Belfast 9.