Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

234. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will set out the Government’s plans to significantly expand Ireland’s interconnection capacity with Great Britain and continental Europe; if there are plans to fast-track key interconnector projects before 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23162/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland remains on course to increase electricity connectivity capacity five-fold to approximately 2.5 GW by the end of the decade, summarised in the table below.

The 500MW East-West Interconnector, which was Ireland's first electricity interconnector linking Ireland and Wales, commenced operations in 2012.

The 500MW Greenlink Interconnector with the UK commenced commercial operations in January 2025. This doubles Ireland’s connectivity capacity on top of EirGrid’s 500MW East West Interconnector.

The Celtic Interconnector, a 700MW link with France being jointly developed by EirGrid and Réseau de Transport d'Électricité, will re-establish direct connectivity with the EU Internal Energy Market. Construction of the terrestrial elements are well progressed in both Ireland and France, with the maritime elements beginning construction this year. The commencement of operations is anticipated in 2027.

The MaresConnect project, a further 750MW cable with the UK, is progressing its regulatory and permitting journey targeting the commencement of operations by 2030. The project is also on the European Ten-Year Network Development Plan and has applied, with support from the Government, for Project of Mutual Interest status with a determination in principle anticipated in Q3 2025.

In line with the National Policy Statement on Electricity Interconnection 2023 and the Programme for Government commitment to position Ireland as a net electricity exporter, post 2030 interconnection is being explored.

EirGrid and Réseau de Transport d'Électricité are examining the feasibility of a second connection to France. Ireland, Belgium and the UK are exploring interconnection potential and operational improvements between the three countries. It is also intended to explore interconnection potential with Spain.

Ireland collaborates regionally though the North Seas Energy Cooperation framework. EirGrid are heavily engaged in developing a common regional grid vision through the northern seas Offshore TSO Collaboration. Officials in Ireland and the UK also collaborate regularly on interconnection under the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding.

Electricity interconnectors are large, complex infrastructural projects with interdependencies to the wider EU energy market and grid development plans in other countries. Priority is given to proceeding as efficiently as possible.