792. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will instruct EirGrid to withdraw the planning application for the proposed North-South interconnector (details supplied). [5957/16]

EirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. As detailed in the Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, the Government does not seek to direct EirGrid in the development of energy infrastructure to particular sites or routes or technologies.

EirGrid made a formal application for the North-South 400kV Interconnector project to An Bord Pleanála on 9th June 2015. This is the subject matter of a statutory independent planning process currently before An Bord Pleanála.

For these reasons, it would not be appropriate for me to comment or intervene.