Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent) | Oireachtas source

With specific reference to the Grid Link project from Kilcullen to Cork and a motion debated last night and to be continued tonight, the Government's policy statement is that the grid development must be delivered in the most cost efficient and timely way possible but it goes on to call on EirGrid to fully engage with potentially affected communities and to examine impartially the case for all achievable engineering solutions. I put it to Mr. Slye that the public is of the view that EirGrid has made up its mind that the lines will go overground. Moreover, a large section of the public are of the view that EirGrid has made up its mind on the actual route. I put it to Mr. Slye that unless the line is put underground, EirGrid will not be in a position to satisfy the demand of the public. Regardless of the consultation process that takes place, that is a circle that cannot be squared. We can discuss the various aspects of this but, ultimately, people want the line put underground but EirGrid will not do that unless it is directed to do so by Government.

Mr. Slye stated that the full line could not be put underground but can part of the line be put underground? The Kilcullen to Cork route is approximately 216 km. What proportion of that route can be put underground on a continuous basis?

The motion also calls for an independent international assessment of EirGrid's proposals. Would Mr. Slye be happy with that? Would it help EirGrid's case if an independent assessment was done because the public do not believe that EirGrid is impartial in this project?

When I met Mr. Slye at the one-to-one briefings in Buswells Hotel I stated that EirGrid representatives should attend the public meetings in addition to the one-to-one meetings. It is important that it hears what the members of the public have to say on this issue.

On the point Deputy Flanagan made about the three to one comparison, that may not be an accurate comparison because EirGrid is doing a comparison based on the overground route chosen between South and North and the cost of that if the line were to be put underground. If the line were to be put underground that might be done on a different route where the same constraints might not be encountered. Is it fair to say that the three to one factor is built on sand, so to speak?