John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. O’Connor for his comments and statement. I note how he has referred to the controversy raging at the moment. That is important.

Before I hand over to members I would like to ask a couple of questions on that. Mr. O’Connor states that he strongly subscribes to the idea that meaningful public consultation with local residents, property owners and communities is an indispensable element of this. Over the past few weeks the committee has met representatives from many of those communities. They allege that real consultation has not happened, questions are unanswered and so on. I would like to hear Mr. O’Connor’s views on those comments.

Does Mr. O’Connor hold a particular view of how EirGrid should proceed with the Grid25 project, particularly in respect of placing the cables underground? Would he agree that in the view of many at this stage it is important that there be some independent cost-benefit evaluation for putting the cables underground? In his previous role as chairman of An Bord Pleanála he was very aware of the need to preserve the scenery of this country and to increase tourist numbers. Tourism is a very important aspect of this decision. I am sure there will be many questions about other areas but I would appreciate if Mr. O’Connor could answer those ones first.