Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1183. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding allocated to the delivery of the Celtic interconnector project with France in each of the years 2019 to 2023; the cost of delivering of this project; and the expected timeline for completion. [15937/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Celtic Interconnector is an estimated €1 billion electricity interconnector jointly proposed by EirGrid and their French counterparts, the French transmission system operator, RTÉ (Reseau de Transporte d’Électricite). It is proposed as a 500km long (subsea), 700MW high voltage direct current line that would run from the north-west coast of France to Ireland’s south coast. At this scale it would be able to provide electricity for some 450,000 homes.
The Celtic Interconnector has the potential to provide a reliable high-capacity electricity link between Ireland and France that would have significant benefits for the people of Ireland. The project would provide access to the European electricity market, leading to expected increased competition and lower prices in Ireland. It would also improve security of electricity supply and facilitate increased capacity for renewable energy here via export access to the mainland European markets.
It is too early to provide the level of detail being sought by the Deputy at this time. The project is currently in the initial design and pre-consultation phase and there are a variety of approvals required, including regulatory and planning consents, before construction could commence. The current phase includes a wide variety of studies and engagements. Land studies are considering environmental, technical and planning constraints regarding potential landing and connection points. Marine studies are considering the potentail route of the interconnector, as well as specific nearshore analyses. EirGrid has also held public information events and consultations and has carried out a social impact assessment screening process that has led to a formal social impact assessment of the project.
In addition, as a formally-designated EU Project of Common Interest, the interconnector has successfully applied for Connecting Europe Facility funding to date (almost €8m for feasibility studies) and will also be in a position to apply for funding towards construction. The cost of the interconnector will not be borne by the exchequer - its cost will be included in the costs of distribution networks in the same way as all other electricity infrastructure investments are paid for. The interconnector is currently planned to be operational in 2025-26.
