Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The chairman of the Commission for Energy Regulation and his colleague from Northern Ireland appeared before the Oireachtas committee this morning. They outlined the importance of the North-South interconnector and the fact of it being of mutual interest for European funding and so forth. They also outlined clearly why the project is so necessary on an all-island basis. In addition, evidence was given by EirGrid to the Oireachtas committee a number of weeks ago that it is possible to put the cables of the North-South interconnector underground. Prior to this we were always informed that it was not feasible and, with respect to engineering, could not be done. On this occasion, however, the representatives admitted that it was possible to put it underground. Given the evidence to the Oireachtas joint committee this morning about the strategic nature of the project and its benefits for all of the island, if it is of such importance it should be put underground. That appears to be the issue for everyone concerned. Why must the people of Monaghan and Meath have these monstrosities forced upon them? The Minister should look at the evidence EirGrid gave to the joint committee, look at the evidence given to the committee this morning and make a decision once and for all to put these cables underground.

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