Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

489. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the outcome of the most recent discussions he and or his officials had with their counterparts in Northern Ireland on the proposed North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50173/19]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

490. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the planning application in Northern Ireland for the proposed North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50174/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 and 490 together.

The North South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the Single Electricity Market and increasing security of electricity supply across the island of Ireland. It will also help us to move towards 70% renewable electricity. A resilient and well connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland’s economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers.

As I understand the situation in Northern Ireland, in January 2018 full planning permission was granted for the section of the line that lies there. Legal proceedings were taken against the planning permission and in February 2019 the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland asked the High Court to quash the planning permission given so the planning application could be re-determined under new legislation introduced by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in November 2018. On 24 July SONI/EirGrid submitted an addendum to the Environmental Statement to the Department for Infrastructure. That Department subsequently carried out a consultation process in Northern Ireland to provide members of the public with the opportunity to review and comment on the addendum and is now reviewing the submissions received.

Since the suspension of Stormont the office of the Minister for the Economy is vacant. However my officials have regular engagement with their counterparts on a range of North South issues.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

491. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the procurement processes undertaken to date by EirGrid for the proposed North-South interconnector; if departmental approval was necessary to allow procurement to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50175/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

EirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. The construction of the North South Interconnector, and all related procurement activities, is an operational matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks and one in which I have no function. I am advised that due to the very long lead times that can arise in relation to projects of this nature and the benefits of a single joint procurement process to be undertaken and managed by ESB Networks, EirGrid sought approval from the regulators in Ireland and Northern Ireland to commence procurement. Following this approval, in September 2017 ESB Networks commenced a number of procurement processes in relation to the project.

In June 2019 ESB Networks awarded a framework contract for the design, test and supply of steelwork in relation to the project. However under this framework there will be no supply of materials and no critical procurement process for construction will be concluded until the planning process in Northern Ireland is complete.