Mr. Michael Mahon:

Much progress has been made on that. As Mr. Wheeler alluded to earlier, the climate action plan is focused on a target of 70% renewable electricity generation by 2030. That means that at some point, for much of the year we need to use a 95% renewables electricity system on the grid as a back-up supply. That is a major step change. EirGrid launched a new strategy a couple of weeks ago and we need to transform the entire electricity grid to be able to cater for all those new generators that will come on-stream. We are set up to deal with the large-scale generation systems around Ireland but we need to connect onshore wind, offshore wind and solar power. To achieve the 70% target, we are looking at bringing on an additional 10,000 MW of generation. That is a large step change that needs onshore and offshore wind, as well as solar power. If we do not bring them all on-stream between now and 2030, we will not achieve the aims of the climate action plan. It is very simple means. There must be new infrastructure and the pinch point or challenge for us may be related to public engagement and getting permission and agreement to build the infrastructure. It is absolutely key.

The interconnector to France is a key element in this and security of supply is a central part of the process. When we have many forms of renewable energy, there is also the possibility to export that renewable generation to France and support the economy here. At a time of very low wind, for example, we also need the benefit of the electricity supply from France to provide back-up. There is also the possibility of back-up from high-efficiency gas generation as well. The Celtic interconnector is central to the strategy, as is the North-South interconnector. Getting to the point where we build those two key projects is absolutely essential to us. Any other interconnection that may be possible between France or the United Kingdom would be a key infrastructure project, and that is where we will need much help and engagement. It is about getting through the challenges we have and building those large-scale infrastructure projects over the next number of years.