Eirgrid has reported a rise in electricity demand across Ireland.

The report, 'Generation Capacity Statement 2017 - 2026', predicts growth in demand of 17% on the island over the next 10 years.

This contrasts with a fall in demand at the start of the decade in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and flat demand in recent years following the economic recession.

In Ireland, total electricity demand over the next ten years is forecast to grow by 21%.

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Fintan Slye, Chief Executive of EirGrid Group, said: "The return to growth in demand underlines the need for a secure electricity supply to support economic investment in Ireland and Northern Ireland in the future."

In Northern Ireland, a significant amount of electricity generation is due to decommission or be restricted due to emissions legislation. The report found that this situation would be relieved by the proposed North South Interconnector.

However, it also found that without the interconnector, it will not be possible to share enough capacity from Ireland to address the security of supply issue facing Northern Ireland from 2021 onwards.

(CD)