Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A report was done on this issue and that report has now come back. The Minister simply stated the facts and reality that neither he nor the Government has a function in this issue. There is a permit being sought and planning permission has been granted. EirGrid is now trying to manage the way in which it will build a North-South interconnector, which is a very important piece of grid infrastructure for the all-Ireland energy market. Issues in Northern Ireland are a bit more complicated because we do not have devolved Government there. It is difficult, therefore, to understand the political management of this project North of the Border. However, if it would be helpful, I will have a note done on the issue, which I can send to the Deputy.

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