Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

To clarify the position, the taxpayer will pay for it and it will be handed over to EirGrid who will own it on behalf of the State. It will be linked up with the network which EirGrid controls and will own separately from the ESB when the Minister decides to introduce legislation to make this happen. Is this correct?

Is the Minister satisfied — because I am not — that 500 MW is big enough? People in the industry tell me that if the cable is being laid, there is a question as to why it is being limited to 500 MW instead of 1,000 MW.

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