Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a commitment in the programme for Government to better engagement with communities on energy projects. Deputy Eugene Murphy and I discussed one of those projects in my constituency. I cannot reopen every decision that has been made by every Minister prior to me, but what I can do is ensure that we learn from the mistakes of the past in terms of some of the projects. That is the commitment that is contained in the programme for Government.

In response to the Deputy's comment on An Bord Pleanála, as he is aware there is a judicial review and I cannot comment on the matter as I am one of the named parties in one of the judicial reviews, as is the Department.

The Government is not providing funding for the North-South interconnector. Funding will be provided by electricity users of the interconnector across the country who will be charged via the operators of the network. That has always been the case. The purpose of the interconnector is to stabilise the grid north and south of the Border.

As I said previously to Deputy Dooley, my starting point was the engagement I had with the communities here in Leinster House before any motion was brought to the House. I listened to them. I believe I was the first Minister since Deputy Eamon Ryan to meet with them and listen to the points they raised. They raised legitimate questions that require answers. That is the reason I facilitated further engagement at official level. I sought clarification from the expert technical advice within the Department. That is the reason we are now putting terms of reference in place.

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