Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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1277. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the construction of a project (details supplied) being carried out in a particular area; his further views on whether this will impact the area in question; and the status of this project. [55095/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Celtic Interconnector is an estimated €1 billion electricity interconnector jointly proposed by EirGrid and their French counterparts, the French transmission system operator, RTÉ (Reseau de Transporte d’Électricite). It is proposed as a 500km long (subsea), 700MW high voltage direct current line that would run from the north-west coast of France to Ireland’s south coast. At this scale it would be able to provide electricity for some 450,000 homes. The Celtic Interconnector has the potential to provide a reliable high-capacity electricity link between Ireland and France that would have significant benefits for the people of Ireland. The project would provide access to the European electricity market, leading to expected increased competition and lower prices in Ireland.  It would also improve security of electricity supply and facilitate increased capacity for renewable energy here via export access to the mainland European markets.

Assessment by EirGrid via independent consultants has comprehensively examined two potential landing points, east Cork and west Wexford. The anlaysis suggested that an east Cork connection point may be more efficient and EirGrid have shared the findings of the assessment via public consultation. 

There remain a number of potential landing sites being considered under the current phase of the project and convertor stations would need to be built at either end of the line. I understand that EirGrid's consultants have carried out a variety of land studies considering environmental, technical and planning constraints in their consideration of landing and connection points. In addition, whilst a full marine study of the potentail route has already been undertaken, further marine studies near the shore are planned. EirGrid has also carried out a social impact assessment screening process that has led to a formal social impact assessment of the project.  Naturally, EirGrid as project promoter would have to meet all environmental and planning requirements in progressing the project.  

The project is currently in the initial design and pre-consultation phase and there are a variety of approvals required including regulatory and planning consents, before construction could commence.  The interconnector is currently planned to be operational in 2025-26.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1278. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied); if a meeting will be facilitated on the matter; if so, the date for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55172/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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In 2017 I met with colleagues from across the political spectrum on two occasions on this project - 8th February and 16th May. These engagements were important in my decision to commission two independent studies into the project. The first is examining the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the interconnector and the second is focused on the compensation provided to land and property owners in proximity to high-voltage transmission lines in a European context.  

I will of course be happy to meet with colleagues again on this issue and my office will make the arrangements for a meeting in the coming weeks.