Sean Fleming
Question:100. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the North South interconnector. [27324/26]
View answerThursday, 16 April 2026
Questions (100)
Written answers
The North South Interconnector is the number one priority electricity transmission project over the coming years, and Government fully supports its delivery. It will link the electricity networks of Ireland and Northern Ireland leading to a more secure, affordable and sustainable supply of electricity across the island. The project once delivered is estimated to deliver cost savings of €100 million per annum to households and businesses across the island of Ireland.
In March, EirGrid wrote to affected landowners stating that ESB, as owners of the electricity grid, had decided to progress the project using its statutory wayleave powers for the placement of cables and pylons on the required lands. I understand that once the relevant local authorities are satisfied that the planning conditions for the Interconnector are fulfilled, construction will proceed.
Funding for the project has been provided for by the CRU Price Review 6 (PR6) decision. PR6 will see up to €18.9 billion invested in our electricity system over the coming 5 years, the largest ever electricity grid investment. In line with the PR6 programme, it is envisaged that construction of the North South Interconnector will begin in June 2026, with final energisation targeted for October 2031.
The North South Interconnector is an excellent example of the critical infrastructure that this Government is determined to accelerate. Government has established a number of taskforces focused on accelerating delivery of the electricity grid and generation assets and has published the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan. These taskforces and measures are critical to enabling delivery of the required underlying grid infrastructure and the renewable generation assets required to transform both our society and economy.