Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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85. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he intends to engage with community representatives along the route of the North-South Interconnector to hear their concerns in respect of the current approach of EirGrid. [19743/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The overhead, alternating-current link between the Irish and Northern Irish electricity grids is a critical infrastructure project for the island of Ireland. It will be the backbone of a fit for purpose electricity system that will ensure energy security, allow more renewables to be used on the island, reduce the need to burning gas and coal, reduce electricity costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the way that the Deputy suggests. 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 that: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’. However, I expect EirGrid to engage with those living closest to the route ahead of project construction.

It is worth noting that the technical approach adopted by EirGrid has been the subject of an enormous amount of independent review and verification over a number of years. As recently as March, the Government noted the latest review by independent experts. This review, which has been published, found that the conclusions of the 2018 International Expert Commission on the decision to build the North-South Interconnector above ground remain valid. This review was the latest in a long line of independent supports and confirmations of the decision to build the North-South Interconnector as an above ground, alternating current link.