Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for this opportunity. The draft review indicated that an underground line would be feasible and Mr. Slye confirmed that here today when he stated it would be technically possible engineering wise. He also indicated there are other advantages that have to be taken into account, not just the issue of cost. This is something we have argued with EirGrid over many years. There are other advantages, some of which can be quantified in euro and cent. It is about the people who are so dramatically impacted by what is proposed.

Mr. Slye stated that consumers should not be burdened, given there would be no enhancement of service by taking the underground approach. He cited the cost of converter stations, AC to DC, at either end and also stated that they cannot "pass on" to consumers. What cannot be passed on, and over what period of time? We are looking at a project with a suggested life expectancy of 40 years. Therefore, what are we talking about in terms of the per annum additionality or the two-monthly billing period most of us are subjected to from Electric Ireland? What additionality are we talking about and over what period of time? What is the maximum period this could apply to?

As somebody who is not impacted immediately, in terms of living in close proximity to the line, I believe the additional cost per consumer would be marginal over a period. I am quite willing to pay, because I know what my constituents and those in neighbouring counties, not only in this jurisdiction but North of the Border, would have to face. We must face up to this. Does Mr. Slye have the figures on that rather than just saying "we cannot pass it on to consumers", as if he was particularly concerned about consumers. I mean no disrespect, but we are all consumers, including the families and individuals who will be dramatically impacted if this presents in close proximity to their homes.

Mr. Slye's opening remark was that the interconnector is needed now and he stressed the word "now". I do not believe there is any likelihood this will happen any time soon. We must also recognise there are significantly reduced demand forecasts, right up to 2025 and beyond. What does he mean by "needed now" when those forecasts apply not only in regard to the economy in this State but across the island? The forecasts in terms of demand are significantly reduced from what would have been believed back before the current more difficult economic climate.

EirGrid has engaged with people on a range of issues, such as land valuation, which is a huge concern for land and homeowners. This is understandable. The issue of the environmental impact has also been raised and reference has been made to tourism. However, this is also about the people who live in the area concerned. Perhaps some of the subtext to the decision not to take another look at the North-South connector is because it does not belong to the traditional tourist destinations, such as the west or the south east. However, those of us who live in or visit the area are very concerned in terms of the visual impact for the potential market for the development of the north east.

I have a range of other concerns, including one everyone dismisses, namely, health. This is not just about being unwell. Health is about being well and having a sense of wellness.

I have heard of one instance of a young man, whose mother spoke to me last evening. They live in immediate proximity to a 36 kV line and they know the facts. This young man has special needs and is unable to leave the family home and use anything around the periphery of their smallholding because of the continuous crackling from the line. Even in damp weather conditions, there is also occasional flickering. There is a noise factor, even with a 38 kV line. This will be replaced and there is no consideration given to the fact that this young man has a very severe level of autism and all the complicating factors it entails in terms of the health and quality of life of that family. There has been no care whatever shown in any of the so-called consultations that have taken place.

Time is against me and there is a range of issues I would have liked to raise with the delegation. The Tobin Consulting Engineers report was mentioned earlier. Why was the information in that report not presented to the independent expert panel in the consideration of its extended brief? It was a minuscule responsibility in terms of taking on the North-South interconnector. It was a number of days after the publication of that report that the content was shown with respect to the width and depth of the channels to accommodate roadside undergrounding. The PB Power report indicated 20 m to 22 m working swathes but the reality from the Tobin report was that the width is 1.1 m and the depth is 1.35 m. That is absolutely achievable along the greatest lengths of the regional road infrastructure that serves the counties of Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh and Tyrone. It is absolutely achievable and there has never been any serious consideration, despite all that EirGrid and its voices have claimed, of the undergrounding approach with respect to the North-South interconnector. It has not happened and the PB Power report does not tick the box under any circumstances. There has been no consultation with the people on the ground on this real alternative. The figures on potential cost have decreased and this will continue. Some day, EirGrid will wake up and wonder what all the fuss was about and how it should have considered this approach all along.