§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals or plans have been notified to his Department to deal with increased demand for electricity in(a) Newry (b) Armagh and (c) South Armagh. [1239]
§ Mr. AncramMy Department has been informed by Northern Ireland Electricity that the maximum demand in the Newry and South Armagh area is increasing by 2.7 per cent per annum and in Armagh by 2.5 per cent. per annum.
NIE plc have further advised that development plans covering these areas are currently being implemented. These include the provision of new substations, providing new 33kv and 11kv circuits, replacing obsolete equipment and carrying out extensive network refurbishment.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to resolve outstanding problems of low voltage supply in(a) Newry and (b) South Armagh. [1240]
§ Mr. AncramThis is primarily a matter for Northern Ireland Electricity plc. NIE has informed my Department that it is implementing an extensive programme of works in these areas.