Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The thrust of electricity policy is towards integration. There is an all-island market on this island and it is functioning very efficiently. However, the Deputy is correct that meshing the two systems is desirable and very important. The critical piece of infrastructure between Tyrone and Meath is necessary for that. It is estimated, not least by the regulator, that the cost of not building the Meath-Tyrone line is between €20 million and €30 million per annum. The regulator now thinks it will be closer to €30 million forgone as a result of it not being built. The planning application will be lodged at the end of this year. Hopefully, we can navigate our way through the difficulties that still exist. There is community resistance to it and we have leaned over backwards in trying to meet those concerns.

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