Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

EirGrid, the State-owned independent electricity transmission system company, is building the east west interconnector between Ireland and Britain. The construction of this vital strategic infrastructure by EirGrid is on budget and on schedule for completion next year.

I have no role in the planning and construction of transmission infrastructure, which are operational matters for EirGrid. The planning process for strategic energy infrastructure is a matter for An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Infrastructure Act. It would not be appropriate for me or any Minister to intervene in respect of the planning process.

The interconnector obtained full planning permission from An Bord Pleanála in September 2009. This approval followed a comprehensive assessment process, including an oral hearing, at which all stakeholders were present including Rush Community Council. It is being developed and constructed in line with all relevant national, EU and international guidelines for health, safety and the environment. EirGrid has advised that construction of the ducts for the cable is well advanced with approximately 75% of the construction of the ducting in Rush now completed.

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