The 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.
In March 2023, Government noted and published an independent report into the project which concluded that it would not be feasible to run the North South interconnector underground, confirming that the findings of the 2018 report remained valid.
As a Transmission project it is being undertaken by EirGrid, which are 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. EirGrid have been and will continue to engage with the local communities affected by the development of the North South Interconnector. 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: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not myself as Minister have responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector, including the economic regulation of the system operators.
EirGrid are independent of myself as Minister in the exercise of their functions as Transmission System Operators. The CRU and EirGrid have respective contact email address for Deputies, of which they are aware, should they wish to raise matters of concern such as that raised in the question. In this instance EirGrid are the appropriate organisation to provide information regarding current status of the project and engagement with affected communities.
