Mr. Fintan Slye:

The Deputy's first point related to the robustness and longevity of the regional option. As I have said, we have assessed that option against the demand for energy in the region that we can reasonably foresee. We are progressing with the regional option. We are not progressing with the 400 kV overhead line option. That option will not be progressed with. We need to continually look at the evolution of demand and generation in the economy and in society. It may well be the case ten or 15 years from now that we need to do something else to reinforce the grid. We are continually reinforcing the grid. Maybe it is worth pointing out there are approximately 200 projects in Grid 25. We tend to talk about three of them, but there are 197 other projects that are under way. We are continually reinforcing and updating the transmission grid as required to meet the needs of society and the economy. We will continue to do that. I do not think it would be responsible of me to sit here and say that there will be no need to further reinforce the transmission network 20 or 30 years from now. However, I can say that the 400 kV overhead line option for Grid Link is dead. I can say categorically that we are not proceeding with it. We are proceeding with the regional option because we believe it meets the needs of the region and the economy for the foreseeable future. As I have said, I am using that term in the context of 2025 or 2030. We will continue to look at the demands of the economy and what society needs to ensure the transmission network is fit for purpose. To the extent that there might be anything additional that might need to be done in the future - I imagine that there would be as the economy and society continue to evolve - we will work with communities to do that in compliance with the new strategic pillars we have set out, which involve trying to maximise the use of the existing infrastructure, working in close co-operation and collaboration with the communities that are out there and minimising the need for new infrastructure. It will not be the case that we will dust off or resurrect the Grid Link 400 kV option. That would be inappropriate as time will have passed. It will not be possible to do that. I can say in response to the Deputy's request for me to be definitive about it that the Grid Link 400 kV overhead option will not be progressed with. We are progressing with the regional option.