Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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148. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the project status and estimated timeline for start and completion of the EirGrid north Connacht 110kV electricity infrastructure project between the Moy substation near Ballina and Tonroe substation near Ballaghaderreen; the overall benefits to the western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43470/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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While this is an operational matter for EirGrid, the transmission system operator, I understand that work on the North Connacht 110kv project has been underway since 2017. It is expected that this key piece of regional electricity infrastructure will come into use in 2024 or 2025. A public consultation on the project took place between September 14 and December 11  this year with 7 options consulted on -4 overhead line corridors and 3 underground cable routes. The outcome of the consultation, which included webinars and direct mail advertising, will help to identify which technology and corridor options are the best performing. A full report on the public consultation will be published in early 2021.

The project will bring a very significant upgrade to the local electricity infrastructure, which in turn will feed into the wider regional economy. The project supports Mayo County Council plans to boost business and investment in the region and aligns with the Government-backed Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Ireland West Airport in  Knock. The SDZ initiative demonstrates Government commitment to develop coherent regional plans to drive the regional economy.