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

I absolutely accept Deputy Brendan Smith's interest and his clear commitment to representing his constituency and various views. This has been going on for longer than 16 years. If I recall, this project first came to my attention 20 years ago. We have been analysing the options for 20 years. There are always different commercial options but all of the analysis has been consistent and shows there would be a significant cost to the Irish consumer in going with an alternative approach underground, as Deputy Smith said, with a direct current connection.

More importantly to my mind, even if one were willing to put the cost on the people, it would not deliver us a fit-for-purpose and fit-for-the future electricity system for the people in the Border counties especially. For too long, we have really suffered from the division on this island, North and South, in our energy systems. This has a large cost and consequences. This new interconnector will provide a balancing capability across the Border, an instant response and an ability to make sure that we keep the lights on, keep the factories working and keep our competitiveness as a country. This strategic reason for the infrastructure is why I believe we must proceed.

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