Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We heard the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, say this morning that the Government had given the go-ahead, effectively, for the North-South interconnector, which I welcome. This is vital infrastructure for the all-Ireland energy market. I understand there is a difficulty on the Northern side of the Border, and I hope the Tánaiste is well placed to answer this question. Under a recent court decision in the North on a separate government issue, proceedings were put on hold because of the absence of the Assembly, Ministers and the administrative system. This means it is legally uncertain whether the project will proceed. I understand this may apply to the Northern part of the interconnector, which cannot now proceed at the same time, North and South. Can the Tánaiste confirm if that is the case? What is the Government doing to try to have the project start in these difficult circumstances without the Assembly?

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