Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

If we do not build that quickly, I believe they will end up building another interconnector to Scotland and we may see the break-up of the all-Ireland market, which would be a tragedy. My presumption is that EirGrid would own the interconnector and I presume it would own a half share with the French transmission operator of the interconnector with France.

Given those circumstances, where EirGrid's asset base is increasing, including ownership of the existing east-west interconnector, does Mr. Tuohy think it is time for the Government to again consider whether EirGrid should own all of the transmission assets, rather than the ESB, thus giving EirGrid greater flexibility, control and financing capability to expand the network?