Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I speak for the Government, which is fully supportive of the process in which EirGrid is engaged and which is aware of the fact that critical infrastructure is going to have to be rolled out. The Deputy referred to the North-South interconnector. In that context, if areas such as Cavan-Monaghan are intent on attracting industries in the future, they will be obliged to have in place high-quality transmission grids that will ensure high-tech factories remain open. This will not happen if the grid is not developed along the lines envisaged by EirGrid. Unless we build the grid, we will not be able to meet the targets that have been laid down in respect of renewables.

Deputy Coveney is correct that this matter is going to be politically sensitive and difficult to deal with. However, the parties in opposition which state that they support the meeting of certain energy targets must follow up on their claims in that regard.

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