Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2021
71. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding the programme for Government commitment to complete the Celtic interconnector to connect Ireland’s electricity grid to France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30015/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Celtic Interconnector is a proposed 700 MW electricity interconnector between Brittany and Cork, promoted and developed by the Irish electricity Transmission System Operator, EirGrid, and its French counterpart, Reseau de Transporte d’Électricite (RTÉ).
Upon scheduled completion in 2026, the Celtic Interconnector will result in the return of direct electricity interconnection between Ireland and the remainder of the EU Internal Energy Market, as well as enhanced market competition and security of electricity supply, to the benefit of Irish and French electricity customers. It will also provide for the direct export of surplus Irish renewable energy to mainland Europe, and a reduction in curtailment of wind generation in Ireland, including costs associated with this curtailment for Irish consumers.
As an EU Project of Common Interest (PCI), the Celtic Interconnector was awarded a €530m grant under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in 2019, which will cover approximately 50% of the project’s total estimated costs. This grant was made possible by significant support for the project from the Irish Government that resulted in its designation as an EU PCI.
The importance of the Celtic Interconnector to achieving Ireland’s climate and energy objectives, and Government commitment to completing its development, is highlighted in the Programme for Government. Support from the Irish and French Governments for this project was reaffirmed in the Joint Declaration at a meeting between Foreign Ministers in Dublin in May 2021.
Responsibility for developing the Celtic Interconnector is primarily a matter for the project promoter, EirGrid. Following extensive planning by EirGrid and a period of public consultation during 2020, a decision was arrived at by EirGrid regarding the location of interconnector infrastructure in East Cork, pending required approval by Irish planning authorities. A further decision was arrived at by EirGrid regarding the establishment of an enhanced community benefit scheme for impacted communities. According to EirGrid, applications for the required foreshore licence and onshore planning permissions in Ireland will be submitted in summer 2021.
