Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his clarity and for updating us on the position. As a local Deputy I am disappointed that the Government cannot or will not come out and specifically suggest a technology. I would not expect the Government to suggest the route because I understand who will pick the route and I accept that. However, I hope there can be direction with regard to the technology. I accept it cannot be done for whatever reason. Not even the committee could sort out the meshed network, but that work will continue. However, for the purpose of clarity, is it fair to say that the door is open now for either technology to be used? Five suggestions were given by the commission of experts. Is the door open for everyone, including EirGrid, to examine this properly? It may be possible to convince the company that this can be done within cost. It is important to know the position because previously, that door was closed. I am keen to ensure that I am reading the situation correctly.

The other matter I would like to discuss is the question of whether the overhead option is the most economical in terms of costs. I dispute the claim that the underground option would cost three times as much. It may be less. Even if it were twice as much we could have a debate and try to swing it over. Is there room to manoeuvre? Can we work on the costs in a timely way? The experts never did so but will the Minister get an assessment of the real cost of delay? We should factor these into the real cost of this project. The Minister referred to informed engagement. From my comments earlier, the Minister will realise that I never fully believed that EirGrid was informed about underground technologies or that it really sought to be. I assume this means EirGrid must be so informed and that An Bord Pleanála will have the power to assess the application on its merits and the case for all of these technologies.

The Minister stated that EirGrid must take appropriate account of the reports of the commission and the committee. Will we be able to refer to those reports and to the experts' opinions from the commission reports? It is important to have these available and it is important that the people have trust in this application. I have maintained in all of the debates that we need fair play and a fair crack of the whip. I take it from the Minister's reply that we will now have this opportunity, although I would have preferred if the Minister had announced today that we were putting it underground. Will the Minister clarify that we will have a fair crack of the whip, that we will get a chance to argue for a certain technology and that EirGrid will be obliged to improve its listening and engagement style? Otherwise this will not be dealt with properly by An Bord Pleanála.

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