Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.

The North-South Interconnector is an essential infrastructure project that will link the electricity transmission networks of Ireland and Northern Ireland — leading to a more secure, affordable and sustainable supply of electricity across the island. It will facilitate the connection of 900 MW of renewable generation, enough to power 600,000 homes through green energy.

As a Transmission project it is being undertaken by EirGrid, which are independent of me as Minister, with EirGrid determining the means of delivery of the project and in doing so they seek to work in close collaboration with affected landowners and local communities. As Minister, I do not have a role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground and this is in line with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure. As such, it would not be appropriate for me to engage directly with affected landowners. My officials have been and continue to engage with Eirgrid on the development of the grid.

The Deputy may however wish to know that I recently attended the Meath County Council launch of their ambitious Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, which is a plan, with local support, that seeks to deliver a sustainable future for the people of the county. Key to delivering County Climate Action Plans like this will be renewable electricity, which the North South Interconnector will assist us in delivering to homes and businesses throughout the country.

In March 2023, Government noted and published an independent report into the project which concluded that it would not be feasible to run the North South interconnector underground, confirming that the findings of the 2018 report remained valid. Given the relevance of the project to the overall development of our electricity grid, I receive briefings from my officials which include aspects related to the project when relevant to topics under consideration. In November 2023, a commencement matter debate took place on the development of a fit for purpose electricity grid, with Minister Smith deputising for me. As part that debate, it was outlined that the North South Interconnector will form part of a fit for purpose electricity grid.