Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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91. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projected timeframe for completion of the North South Interconnector; the number of landowners that will be affected by the development; and the number therein that have given approval for their lands to be used for this purpose. [28549/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The North-South Interconnector has been designed as an overhead, alternating-current interconnector integrating the Irish and Northern Irish electricity grids. In this form, it 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 use fossil fuels for electricity generation, reduce electricity costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure 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’.

I understand that EirGrid and ESB Networks normally seek voluntary agreements with landowners in this type of project.

It is worth noting that the technical approach adopted by EirGrid has been the subject of several independent reviews. 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.