The North-South Interconnector is vitally important to the development of our energy infrastructure and it is critical to improving the efficient operation of Single Electricity Market and increasing the security of supply across Ireland on an all island basis. Its delivery is also consistent with commitments made in the Programme for Government to move towards 70% renewable electricity. I do 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: ‘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 do expect EirGrid & ESB Networks to engage openly and extensively with those living close to the route of the interconnector. In that regard I note that EirGrid has already set in place a variety of engagements locally including the appointment of Community Liaison Officers and a mobile information unit active in the area. The Department expects such engagements to intensify in the coming weeks and months, subject to Covid public health guidelines.
