James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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180. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the additional measures his Department is undertaking to supply the expected demand for energy in Ireland over the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3428/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The North-South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the all-island Integrated Single Electricity Market and increasing security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will also facilitate the achievement of the goal to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. 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. Government does not have any role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground. This is consistent with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure which states: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’. Planning conditions for particular projects are a matter for the relevant planning authority.

The motions passed by Monaghan County Council include several allegations that fall well outside my remit, are material to the national planning process and some appear to be material to the Council itself, as a relevant planning authority. A reply will issue to the formal correspondence from Monaghan County Council on matters for which my Department is responsible.