Communications, Climate Change & Environment Committee to consider Ireland’s electricity grid development

Committee Chairman Hildegarde Naughton TD said: “Since 2006, EirGrid has operated and developed the national high voltage electricity grid in Ireland. As demand for electricity grows, it is important that we have an electricity grid that is fit for purpose to meet current and emerging needs. Therefore, we are looking forward to our meeting tomorrow with Eirgrid chief executive Fintan Slye to consider the company’s strategy and how Ireland’s electricity grid should be developed in line with a growing economy.

“We will also have an opportunity to discuss the Celtic Interconnector between France and Ireland. While no decision has yet been made on whether or not to build the Celtic Interconnector, a feasibility study was carried on a potential routing between the south coast of Ireland and the north-west coast of France. This potential route would be approximately 600 km long, of which the offshore element would comprise approximately 500 km. The potential capacity of the Celtic Interconnector is estimated at approximately 700 megawatts, enough to power approximately 450,000 households. Tomorrow, we will have a chance to get an update on progress on this project and its benefits.”

This meeting will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, 9 May 2017 in Committee Room 2, Leinster House. Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Ahead of this meeting, the Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment will meet at 5.30pm in Committee Room 2 for consideration of the Prohibition of the Exploration and Extraction of Onshore Petroleum Bill 2016. Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources Seán Kyne will be proposing amendments to strengthen enforcement of the provisions in the bill.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.