Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
70. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on his engagements with EirGrid at which he has received an update on the North-South Interconnector. [21466/24]
View answerThe North-South Interconnector is an essential infrastructure project that will link the electricity transmission networks of Ireland and Northern Ireland — leading to a more secure, affordable and sustainable supply of electricity across the island. It will facilitate the connection of 900 MW of renewable generation, enough to power 600,000 homes through green energy.
As a transmission system project, the North-South Interconnector is being undertaken by EirGrid, which is independent of me as Minister, with EirGrid determining the means of delivery of the project, and in doing so, they seek to work in close collaboration with affected landowners and local communities. As Minister, I do not have a role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground and this is in line with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, which states that ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’.
While, as Minister, I engage with EirGrid on an ongoing basis on matters related to the electricity system, including grid development, I have not had an engagement specifically related to the North-South Interconnector. However, my officials have been and continue to engage with EirGrid on matters related to the development of the electricity grid including the North-South Interconnector.
