Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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108. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the review of EirGrid's Grid25 project; when this review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19990/14]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to provide an update on the review of Eirgrid's Grid25 project, outline when the review will be published, and make a statement on the matter.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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EirGrid’s Grid25 national transmission grid development programme is vital for future socioeconomic progress in Ireland, regional development and to ensure consumers have access to reliable, sustainable and affordable energy.

During the course of engagement by EirGrid in its recent public consultation processes a number of key concerns emerged. I have put in place a number of measures to deal with the immediate concerns related to the Grid West and Grid Link projects, while also addressing the generality of commentary on the need to improve stakeholder and community engagement on all future Grid25 projects. I have appointed an independent panel of experts, chaired by Mrs. Justice Catherine McGuinness, to examine the Grid West and Grid Link projects. The panel of experts will decide the terms of reference for comprehensive, route-specific studies of full underground and overhead options for both projects. The panel has been asked to ensure the studies are complete, impartial, objective and comparable and will submit a report to me on these matters in due course. The two studies will consider environmental impacts, technical efficacy and cost factors. The overhead and underground options will be published side by side in objective and comparable terms before consideration is given by EirGrid to the appropriate next steps for each of the projects. The panel has also been asked to consider what, if anything, it can do with regard to the North-South transmission line project. The panel has commenced its deliberations and I understand it expects to be in a position to announce the terms of reference for the Grid Link and Grid West transmission line projects soon.

EirGrid published an interim report on the emerging themes from the Grid Link project consultation on 28 January. A copy of this report is available on EirGrid's website. All of the submissions which EirGrid received on the project are being examined by the EirGrid project team. I understand once a thorough and detailed examination of all the submissions has been completed, a report will be published on the project website and EirGrid will respond to all correspondence as quickly as possible.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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On the Minister's statement that the terms of reference will be announced soon, what is meant by "soon"? There is great concern among all of the communities affected by the EirGrid projects. An issue constantly raised is that of health. I am concerned that this issue was not referred to in the Minister's reply in relation to the terms of reference. It is vitally important that health be a key factor in deliberations on the overground and underground options for the projects. The Minister might also update the House on the North-South interconnector in terms of the reviews to be carried out.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I understand the panel met as recently as last Friday. According to what I hear, I for one will be surprised if it does not issue its report on the terms of reference before next Friday. That is my expectation but I do not speak for the panel.

With regard to health, the Deputy is correct that this matter has been a concern among residents and others during the recent public consultation phase. Responsibility in this regard does not repose in my Department. Health concerns about electromagnetic fields and non-ionising radiation are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Department is engaging or has engaged expert assistance to study international developments in matters concerning non-ionising radiation. This will serve as an update on the report that the Deputy will be familiar with, namely, Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, which was produced by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in 2007.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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For the individuals and communities affected by these proposals, the matter needs to be clarified. The project is the responsibility of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources while the health issue is the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. This is a major project to be undertaken throughout the country. A considerable number of people will be affected by it either directly or indirectly. It behoves us all, therefore, to ensure that the Government as a whole examines it. The relevant sections in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government should be working hand in glove with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to ensure all aspects are dealt with. When a report is issued, people in the community will say it does not address certain issues. The questions of aesthetics, environmental impact, property value depreciation and health must all be borne in mind. Unless they are all covered in any committee's report, it will not be welcomed or assessed by the affected communities.

The Minister might also address the North–South issue.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I can certainly assure the Deputy that the integrity of the process is being maintained by the expert panel under the chairmanship of the retired Honourable Mrs. Justice Catherine McGuinness and that it is taking its responsibilities very seriously. Otherwise, it would have opined before now.

I take the point that there must be optimum co-operation between my Department and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of the non-ionising radiation fear. This must draw on expert evidence that is absolutely up to date in this area.

By contrast with Grid Link or Grid West, there is an immediate urgency about the North-South dimension in the context of an all-island electricity market and Northern Ireland's security of supply. It is a very small piece of interconnection infrastructure but it is of significant strategic importance. It extends for only 40 km approximately and runs from Meath to Tyrone. Its significance cannot be overstated. I cannot say anything further until I hear what former Supreme Court justice, Mrs. Catherine McGuinness has to say on the matter on behalf of her panel, but whatever she has to say will not detract from the fact of life that the infrastructure is urgent.