Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

The State-owned independent transmission system operator, EirGrid, is building the east-west interconnector between Ireland and Britain. The interconnector, which is on schedule and within budget, will be commissioned this autumn.

The interconnector is a strategically vital energy project for the island of Ireland and is financially supported under the European Energy Programme for Recovery. It will critically contribute to national security of energy supply and competition as well as underpinning the progressive development of renewable energy.

I have no role in the planning and construction of the transmission network, including the interconnector, which are operational matters for EirGrid. The planning process is a matter for An Bord Pleanála under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.

EirGrid obtained full planning permission for the east-west interconnector from An Bord Pleanála in 2009. This approval followed a comprehensive assessment process including an oral hearing at which all stakeholders were present.

During the planning process, including the oral hearing, public health and safety considerations were fully covered. In that context, I want to place on record once again that I have no reason whatsoever to believe that any relevant data on EMF or any other health and safety dimension of the interconnector was withheld from, or misrepresented to, the planning process. I am categorically assured by EirGrid that this is not the case and I would expect no less an assurance from the State-owned transmission company.

I am aware that in 2010, after the decision by An Bord Pleanála, members of Rush Community Council raised further concerns about the health and safety implications of the interconnector project. These matters have been comprehensively dealt with in the planning process. However, in order to assist local community understanding and confidence, my Department commissioned an additional independent expert opinion on health issues relating to high voltage direct current cable technology. The expert opinion was provided by Dr. Eric van Rongen, a leading international expert on EMF. Dr. van Rongen's report has been in the public domain since October 2010 together with an additional report on the operational safety of the interconnector undertaken by the international energy consultants KEMA, published in June 2011.

The two additional reports reinforce the conclusions inherent in the decision of An Bord Pleanála that Ireland's east-west interconnector project fully meets all relevant international health and safety standards.

I stated last year that it was time to bring closure to the ongoing debate on these matters, and I say it again today. I have full confidence in EirGrid's commitment to complete the east-west interconnector successfully to the highest safety standards in the national interest and without risk to the health and safety of local communities.

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