Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While I thank the Minister, it seems that we are almost speaking different languages. The Minister made the case in terms of the merits and all-island strategic importance of the interconnector. I do not disagree with that, nor do Conor Murphy and my party. We disagree with the detail of the delivery of the project. To be fair, we have been proven correct for 20 years regarding this. Does the Minister have an update on the process? My understanding was that EirGrid sought a licence from the CRU for ESB Networks, under section 47 of the Act to which the Minister referred. Has that happened? If it has not happened, that may be indicative of something. What is it indicative of? Is the North taking a different approach? Has it had success in engaging with landowners? My understanding and expectation is that it has not. Ultimately, whether it is the Minister, another Minister or somebody else, we have to go back to the drawing board on this project or we will not deliver it in any way or form.

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