John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have the same question as Deputy O'Rourke so I will follow up on the EirGrid point. Building out additional capacity is a top priority to avoid curtailing demand and growth. With that in mind, what progress are we making with the North-South interconnector in terms of adding capacity? Are we waiting for the imminent response from the judicial process in Northern Ireland? We hope that is soon. Once that hurdle is overcome, will we get moving or is the engagement with landowners slowing it down? Is there anything else stalling progress on that project? Mr. Foley said he is happy enough and he will not go into detail. Could he add a little to his response to Deputy O'Rourke?

The other three questions I have are for the regulator. First, I was amazed to hear that we have the lowest amount of wind since 1961. We have a clear target of 80% of our power being generated by renewables. What do we envision will provide the remaining 20%? Where will that come from if we have such a low level of wind again? What is the long-term back-up for renewable energy if it does not work?

Second, in light of developments over the past year where we have seen EirGrid amber alerts, warnings and that type of stuff, was the ban on offshore gas exploration a wise policy? Does LNG have a role to play in the absence of an indigenous supply?

The third question is on an issue I picked up in the papers this morning. It relates to the heightening of Brexit tensions we are seeing and the ramifications for energy security in the event of a breakdown in relations. The island of Ireland is at the end of the pipeline. I read in a newspaper that the French minister for Europe has raised points regarding the UK's reliance on France for energy security. We have long-standing agreements with the United Kingdom. Should we be concerned about this? It is unlikely to occur but do we have contingency plans in relation to energy security if there is a breakdown in relations between France and the United Kingdom?