Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Gallagher for raising this issue. The North-South interconnector is vital infrastructure in delivering the objectives of Ireland's energy policy, namely, ensuring competitiveness and security of supply. It will also ensure a safe and sustainable source of energy for the jurisdictions of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The interconnector, as proposed as an overhead line, was granted planning permission in Ireland in December 2016.Following a planning process in Northern Ireland, the section of the project in that jurisdiction was also granted planning permission in January 2018. The construction of the project and all related procurement activities are operational matters for EirGrid and ESB Networks in respect of which I have no function. The 2012 Government policy statement on the strategic importance of transmission and other energy infrastructure states that "Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies". However, I respect fully that this project gives rise to concerns for a number of people, particularly those living in close proximity to the proposed project. In fact, I was the first Minister in a decade to meet with the groups and listen directly to their concerns.

Following the planning decision in Ireland, two motions calling for an updated independent study into the North-South interconnector were passed by Dáil Éireann and this House in early 2017. I subsequently commissioned two studies designed to address the main points of the motions as well as key concerns expressed by those opposed to the development of an overhead line. Some impacts such as environmental and health concerns will not be assessed since the statutory planning process is the appropriate method by which such impacts are assessed and evaluated. The consultants undertaking the two studies have completed their respective reports and they were submitted to my Department earlier this year. They have now been fully considered by my Department and submitted to me. It is my intention that the reports will be brought to Government as soon as possible and made publicly available on my Department's website.

There are a number of ongoing legal issues in Northern Ireland which are ultimately matters for the authorities there. The judgment of the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland on 6 July relates to a different project, although it has been acknowledged that it could have wider implications for decision-making in Northern Ireland, not just in relation to infrastructure but to the operation of government and decision-making generally. It is to be expected that the judgment will be studied over the coming weeks by authorities on both sides of the Border as to any implications for the North-South interconnector project.

To answer Senator Gallagher's question, I made it clear when I signed off on the procurement process that this could be paused or stopped at various stages in the process. I gave that commitment to the Dáil, definitely, and I may have given it here as well. I stand over that. It was the only basis on which I allowed the process to commence. I am monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis.