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

This tender process is not just for the construction or potential construction of the route. As such, one cannot compare it to a shopping centre. To go ahead with the development of a shopping centre, one needs to know where the doors of each unit and the exits will be and what the overall design is. This process involves the design of transmission masts as well as the detailed design work. This is in order to meet the set timelines. As the Senator knows, there is a huge issue with electricity supply in Northern Ireland. In fairness, it is on both sides of the Border. All parties involved accept and acknowledge that there will be a severe shortage of electricity post the early 2020s in Northern Ireland which is an issue that must be addressed from an economic development point of view. There are many other aspects to it. The courts process in Ireland and Northern Ireland is not a matter in which I can get involved except to note that there are issues here and in the other jurisdiction which we are monitoring closely. I am constantly engaged through my officials in relation to various aspects of this.