Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that local communities are consulted in advance of any decision by Eirgrid to build a high voltage power line from Leinster to Munster; if he will ask Eirgrid to consider under grounding the power line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21927/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I have no role in the planning and construction of the transmission network. These are operational matters for EirGrid, which is the independent statutory State body responsible for the development and maintenance of the national electricity transmission system.

EirGrid is fully committed to public consultation with local communities and all stakeholders on its transmission network development projects. At the recent launch of the Grid Link project which is the construction of the high voltage power line from Munster to Leinster, EirGrid announced a comprehensive consultation process on the project. This is a €500 million investment in refurbishment of the transmission link from Cork to Kildare.

EirGrid's extensive public consultation process, now getting underway, is an essential part of the technical and environmental assessments which are required as part of the planning application to An Bord Pleanála, which is scheduled to be submitted in 2015. EirGrid's structured approach to full public consultation is critical to the comprehensive route selection process for the Grid Link project. In keeping with best international practice EirGrid will undertake regular reviews at all key stages of the project to test key technology assumptions. This will take account of potential advances in technology.

The Grid Link project will deliver security of electricity supply in the south and east, will underpin the development of renewable energy and will ensure that demand in the region can be met, thus underpinning economic investment, jobs and growth. The Government wants to give a strong consistent message to Irish business and multinationals, and our citizens, that Ireland's electricity networks are robust, modern, comprehensive and safe. The investment programmes of EirGrid are critical to ensuring that the national energy infrastructure is maintained and built cost effectively to the highest standards and with full regard for environmental, safety and health requirements and the needs of local communities.