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

As I said earlier, the North-South interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the single electricity market and increasing security of electricity supply across the island of Ireland. It will also help us to move towards 70% renewable electricity, and other commitments that I mentioned earlier and will not repeat.

The decision last week by the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland to grant full planning permission to the project means that the project is now fully consented North and South. Since my appointment as Minister I have received a small number of representations on the project.

I now expect EirGrid and ESB Networks to engage openly and extensively with those living closest to the route of the interconnector. In that regard I note that EirGrid has already set in place a variety of engagements locally, including the appointment of community liaison officers and a mobile information unit active in the area. I expect such engagements to intensify in the coming weeks and months, subject of course to national public health guidelines on Covid-19.

I believe that this important infrastructure will meet the objectives I mentioned earlier. While EirGrid and ESB Networks are engaging with the community, it would not be appropriate for me to be involved in that process.

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