Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will be as brief as possible. Like other members, I have met community groups to discuss the EirGrid project. I am struck by the lack of consultation, which has led to a loss of confidence in EirGrid. Public confidence has been eroded, and as recently as yesterday, we have received messages from people who have been unsuccessful in getting information from the company. That is not how one should engage in public consultation. Deputy Coffey made most of the points I intended to raise regarding the M9 route. The report of the expert commission indicated that the best route for cables is usually along existing infrastructure, such as large motorways or railway lines. It referred to the interconnector between Spain and France, which is underground and follows major roads. I want EirGrid to consider the feasibility of constructing its lines along the motorway network. It is the shortest and straightest route and, as it is in State ownership, there is no need for compensation.

As I drove along the M9 this morning, I conducted a not very scientific investigation into the number of houses that were located close to the motorway. The cables are to be located at least 50 m away from houses and there did not appear to many houses within that distance from the road. If the interconnector follows the motorway, it will address many of the concerns expressed by community groups. This committee has a duty to ask EirGrid to consider the motorway option. The distance between the connection at Great Island to the motorway is only five or eight miles. I am not an electrical engineer or an expert but this appears to be the route it should be taking.