Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 February 2022
69. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if he will reply to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10291/22]
View answerThe North-South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the all-island Integrated Single Electricity Market and increasing security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will also facilitate the achievement of the goal to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland's economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers. Government does 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’. Planning conditions for particular projects are a matter for the relevant planning authority. The question relates to operational matters in which I have no role.
