Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Ceann Comhairle is well aware that this is not the first time the North-South interconnector project has been debated on the floor of the House. After almost ten years, it has been debated, discussed and dissected - whatever word one wants to use - at every level. It was, therefore, extremely disappointing for me, representatives and those I represent to learn on 21 December last that An Bord Pleanála had given approval for the overhead power lines. No one has ever doubted the need to develop the national grid or infrastructure. No one has ever doubted the need to develop a single electricity market or the need to ensure consumers across the whole island of Ireland have access to cheap electricity. However, I firmly believe we must question the manner in which the project has been developed and delivered by EirGrid. It has been absolutely shambolic to say the least.

I have worked with my colleagues, constituents, organisations and groups to try to convince previous Ministers - sometimes unsuccessfully - and EirGrid that this project should and could be put underground. I want to put on the record of the House that this is still my policy and preferred option. I believe undergrounding to be feasible, including economically feasible.

Deputy Cassells referred to our infrastructure policy from 2012. It states:

The State network companies are mandated to plan their developments in a safe efficient and economic manner. They are also required to address and mitigate human, environmental and landscape impacts, in delivering the best possible engineering solutions.

I am sorry to say it but EirGrid still has a long way to go to convince me and local communities of its commitment to those principles. The 2012 policy also refers to the importance of best available knowledge and informed engagement on the impact and cost of different engineering solutions. I agree fully with the statement, as we all do. However, I do not believe this has genuinely been taken on board by EirGrid. In order for this project to be delivered while upholding this policy, we need further information and we need EirGrid to listen.

I welcome the commitment given by the Minister to publish an independent analysis of international developments with respect to the relative cost differences, technologies and engineering solutions of overhead and underground technologies, fully integrated in an all-island electricity system. I also thank him for his engagement to date. Within one day of the decision being made, he agreed to meet and engage with local community groups. The analysis to which he agreed will highlight the technological and cost changes that have occurred internationally since the project was produced almost ten years ago. This plan has caused devastation in counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan and people in these areas must be listened to.

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