Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
517. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the three reports that have been commissioned on the North-South interconnector will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39957/18]
View answer518. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to present the three reports that are being prepared on the North-South interconnector project in a manner that is appropriate and accessible for persons deemed functionally illiterate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39958/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 517 and 518 together.
In July this year I sought reports from the Energy Regulator, and electricity and gas transmission system operators (Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, Eirgrid, Gas Networks Ireland) on the implications for the electricity market in Ireland in the event of a hard Brexit, including for the Single Electricity Market (SEM), for the delivery of programmes such as DS3, the North South Electricity Interconnector and continued secure cross-border electricity trading.
I have received the reports and all identify significant market challenges absent an agreement between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) on energy trading post Brexit. After Brexit, trade in energy between EU Member States and the UK, including that on SEM, will involve trade with a Third Country with implications for the smooth operation of markets. These issues, principally around regulatory alignment, level playing field, market oversight, etc., are not new and have featured in Ireland's input to the EU's negotiations with the UK. Given the level of detailed analysis that the reports have gone into in terms of the specifics of individual instruments and their relevance to Ireland's continuing input to EU negotiation with the UK, it would not be appropriate to publish these reports at this time, but the key points will be raised with the EU's negotiators.
I would also point out to the Deputy that trade between the EU and Third Countries in electricity is long standing, providing greater security of supply, reduction in network constraints, increased competition and enhanced capacity to accommodate renewable energy.
In relation to the two independent reports dealing with the North-South Interconnector (NSIC) that I commissioned following engagement with members of the Oireachtas and community interests, these were considered by Government this morning and are available on my Department's website. One considers the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the NSIC, while the second addresses comparative international practice and approaches to compensation of property owners in proximity to high-voltage lines.
On the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding, the report concludes that from a techno-economic point of view, an Alternating Current Overhead Line is the most beneficial way of meeting the need for enhanced power transfer capability between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
On comparative international practice in relation to compensation, that report indicates that Ireland has a comparatively generous compensation regime in place.
In addition to publishing the reports on the website of my Department, I am forwarding copies of the two Reports to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
