Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The companies operating are publicly owned companies acting in the public interest and delivering a project that we all regard as beneficial. I understand the concerns of the local community and its desire for an alternative approach. In this instance, however, bearing in mind that planning permission has been granted, some of the fundamental concerns over health effects can be answered by the analysis contained in Dr. van Rongen's report. We could arrange for Dr. van Rongen to answer people's questions in this regard. I said this to the Deputies previously.

If we were to delay the project at this stage, it would have considerable knock-on consequences. I encourage all sides, including EirGrid and the community, to allow for the completion of the safety project. We can raise further questions on safety in light of Dr. van Rongen's analysis. He seems to be a man of real international repute. It is a matter of trying to minimise understandable concern in the community, which is not in anyone's interest. I ask the local Deputies and Senators to do whatever they can in this regard but I cannot re-route an infrastructure project that is urgent for the State. It would have considerable financial implications-----

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