Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what progress he has made on the construction of the North/South Interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the timetable for its construction.

The new North/South electricity interconnector has been given planning approval in Ireland and a recommendation from the Planning and Appeals Commission in Northern Ireland is expected shortly.

Construction of the interconnector has been estimated at approximately three years.

We remain supportive of the development of a new North/South interconnector and recognise that there is strong support in Northern Ireland and Ireland to see this happen.