Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am in Leinster House. I thank Mr. Lynott for his presentation, which was very interesting. I will focus very briefly on security of supply if that is okay. It is not too far from Deputy Whitmore's comments. The witness commented on backup generation and natural gas, which is a concern, and the ability of the existing network to cater for microgeneration. We are creating awareness in the public sphere on a daily basis in what we do as a country and have done for many years. That is in itself promoting individuals to look at how they can reduce their own electricity consumption, generate it themselves and reduce their bills. That can make a difference to the environment. I have asked this question of the providers in the past and I will ask it of the witness as well. Could we cater for microgeneration with the existing network?

I might come back in the second round if that is okay. The interconnectors east-west and North-South have been repeatedly delayed, particularly the North-South interconnector. I wonder if we will be ready for the targets we have set by way of the energy market because of those delays.

This particularly relates to the connection to France, which is six years away. That is an eternity in terms of our targets so Mr. Lynott's comments would be beneficial. Can he comment on security supply, backup generation, gas, microgeneration and the interconnector?