Mr. Owen Bannigan:

I would like to put this consultation issue to bed once and for all. About a month ago, the European Commission published a list of projects, including projects of common interest or energy projects, that have a cross-border or cross-state dimension.

That, of course, includes North-South interconnector, which has been with us for seven years. EirGrid is now proposing another interconnector on its list of possible funded projects at European level. That is a 275 kV interconnector along an overhead line from Sligo to Turleenan in County Tyrone, which is the northern point of the line we are currently discussing. That project has never been in the public domain and it was not published as part of Grid 25. EirGrid and, possibly, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is applying to Europe for funding for the project and only then will it start to consult people. That is what EirGrid's consultation process is all about. Local communities are required to unearth this information by themselves.

I am involved in politics as a county councillor. As a result of this EirGrid project, people believe our system of politics is failing their communities. As a semi-State body with huge financial resources, EirGrid can spin and speak as it likes. The political system is seen to believe what it says without examining its claims in minute detail. Local communities are examining its claims, identifying where the system is failing them and coming up with alternatives. They depend on this committee to assist them. EirGrid has not listened to us for the past six years. If the political system is to be about the people, the first port of call for local communities, and perhaps their last, should be this committee. I urge members to do something about this problem. We have been dealing with it for the past six years and the rest of the country will have to manage it for the next six years. That is not acceptable. Simple questions should get simple and truthful answers.

Consultation is about engaging with people on problems and proposals. All views should be taken on board and if progress is to be made, both sides have to give a little to meet somewhere in the middle. There is no meeting in the middle in this instance. From the very outset of these projects they were defined as overhead power lines to be constructed within 25 m of one's house. That is not consultation. I ask the committee to help us because the system has failed.