Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Calleary is aware, the proposals relating to both projects are new.

On the Deputy's question regarding the extension of the commission's remit to consider the North-South interconnector, this project is necessary. In addition, it relates to an item of infrastructure that is critical in the context of the development of the economy in the years ahead. The Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, has pointed out that he knows the public will rest assured if it knows that the overhead and underground options had been investigated and that the studies which have already been published are sufficient to allow An Bord Pleanála to make a comparison when it decides on the merits of the planning application. The Minister is meeting the chairperson on Friday to discuss the programme of work. Eirgrid's programme of work includes Grid Link, Grid West and the North-South interconnector. I would like the commission to have its remit extended in order that the North-South project can be analysed in the same way as, and on an equal footing with, those relating to all other areas of the country.

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