Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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602. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on using an underground alternative on the North-South interconnector, which employs high voltage direct current technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40666/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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EirGrid made a formal application for the North South Transmission Link Project to An Bord Pleanála on 9 June 2015. I am constrained, therefore, in what I can say in relation to the project other than the provision of factual information.

The North South Transmission Link project is part of EirGrid’s plans to upgrade the national electricity transmission system. It is a strategically urgent project that will remove restrictions limiting cross-border power flows between Ireland and Northern Ireland thus strengthening security of electricity supply throughout the island of Ireland.

Since the project was initiated, there have been numerous studies into the option of using an underground cable for the project. In July 2014, a Government-appointed Independent Expert Panel provided its opinion on whether EirGrid had adequately examined this matter. It found that the studies and work undertaken were compatible with the methodologies being employed on the Grid West and Grid Link projects.

On 27 March 2015 EirGrid published a new independently peer reviewed draft Strategy which found, inter alia, that there remains a clear need for the North South transmission line, and that the existing proposal for a 400kV overhead line remains the most appropriate solution for the project.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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603. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on revisions made to Grid South and Grid West projects due in part to peak energy demand forecasts for 2025 being scaled back significantly, compared to 2008 levels; based on these demand forecasts, if there were revisions made for the North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40667/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The North South Transmission Link project is part of EirGrid’s plans to upgrade the national electricity transmission system. It is a strategically urgent project that will remove restrictions limiting cross-border power flows between Ireland and Northern Ireland thus strengthening security of electricity supply throughout the island of Ireland.

On 27 March 2015 EirGrid published a new independently peer reviewed draft Strategy which found that there remains a clear need for the North South transmission line, and that the existing proposal for a 400kV overhead line remains the most appropriate solution for the project.

EirGrid and SONI periodically publish an All Island Generation Capacity Statement. In February of this year, the All Island Generation Capacity Statement 2015-2024 was published. The report examines the generation adequacy over a number of economic scenarios. These projections are based on economic forecasts published by the ESRI, namely the Quarterly Economic Commentary, published in October 2014 and the Medium Term Review, published in July 2013. The Statement confirms the necessity of the North-South transmission line based on its demand forecasts. The All Island Generation Capacity Statement is published on the EirGrid website.