Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply but I disagree with much of what he said. He stated that he has no direct role in determining whether Ireland's infrastructure should go underground or over ground but that is not the case. He is the policy leader in this area. This issue does not solely affect EirGrid.

In Denmark, politicians and policy makers have agreed under a compromise arrangement that all power lines built in the future, including 400 kV lines, will be put underground. I understand that has been formalised in a new law. Let us have a frank discussion instead of saying it is EirGrid's problem.

The ASKON report will be——

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