Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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1. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the latest EirGrid proposals on the North-South interconnector, Grid West and Grid South; if he supports putting cables underground in all projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16436/15]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the latest EirGrid proposals on the North-South interconnector, Grid West and Grid South. Does he support putting cables underground in all the projects? I ask him to make a statement on the matter.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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On 27 March EirGrid published, for public comment, a discussion paper on Ireland's grid development strategy, entitled "Your Grid, Your Views, Your Tomorrow". The paper, which reviews, inter alia, the grid link, Grid West, and North-South transmission line projects, confirms that Ireland’s energy transmission needs may be met with reduced new infrastructure build because of new technological developments and updated projections of future electricity demand.

The discussion paper, which was subject to an independent peer review, confirms the need to reinforce the transmission system in the south east. It suggests an additional option to the original grid link options. The original options would require either the construction of significant amounts of new overhead lines or the laying of significant amounts of underground cable. The additional option contained in the recently published discussion document would involve an underwater cable in the Shannon Estuary and upgrading existing transmission lines rather than building new lines.

The discussion paper also puts forward options for Grid West. The options include underground cabling, a 400 kV overhead line option and a 220 kV overhead line with some of the line placed underground. The discussion paper reaffirms the need for the North South transmission line project and that the existing proposal for a 400 kV overhead line remains the most appropriate solution for the project. In setting out its revised approach, EirGrid has confirmed that every project is different, so that an option that may be technically feasible for one project may not work for another.

The Deputy will be aware of the independent expert panel that is overseeing the integrity of the process being undertaken by EirGrid to report on the Grid West and grid link projects. The EirGrid reports are required to be comprehensive, route-specific studies of overhead and underground options for the projects. The panel has directed that the reports must be complete, comparable - with overhead line comparable with underground cable - and objective, and must include assessments of potential environmental impacts, technical efficacy and cost factors.

The panel will, in due course, consider the reports and then provide an opinion to me on the reports in respect of each project. Thereafter, a further round of public consultation will be undertaken by EirGrid for each of the projects. I expect to receive the panel's opinion on the Grid West project over the coming days. The opinion on the grid link project is expected during quarter three of this year.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Once these steps have been completed, it will then be a matter for EirGrid, in consultation with the Commission for Energy Regulation, to make a decision on which option to pursue on each of the grid link and Grid West projects.

Each of these three major projects will be the subject of a planning application to An Bord Pleanála in due course.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The report that was published, as I understand it, has options for undergrounding and made clear that Grid West and Grid South can be undergrounded. Why can this not be done with the North-South interconnector? This has been a huge bone of contention, particularly in Cavan, Monaghan and Meath in recent years.

Last week representatives from EirGrid appeared before the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications. The Minister gave the line that there are technical solutions to each project. However, speaking on the record of the committee they clearly confirmed that it was technically possible to underground the cables on the North-South interconnector.

This is the first time EirGrid has acknowledged that it is technically possible. It previously held to the view that it was technically impossible but now that it has accepted that it is possible to underground the cables, why does the Government not seek to put them underground? It has become a massive source of contention and if we accept the necessity of the project, the only option is the underground one.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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As I am unfortunately not familiar with EirGrid's precise testimony to the committee, I cannot comment on it. I outlined in my initial reply the process undertaken in respect of all of these projects. The process involves EirGrid initially setting out its position and the independent expert panel then assesses the position and reports to me. That is the process we have undertaken in respect of grid west and grid link. The independent panel was also asked to examine the North-South project and it came to certain conclusions on the methodology adopted in respect of it. This is ultimately a matter for EirGrid when it brings forward proposals to develop the network we need in this country. I have no doubt that the North-South interconnector is critical infrastructure that we will require if we are to secure the system and the link between North and South. It is needed for the South and it is also needed for the North.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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According to the information presented by the chief executive of EirGrid to the committee last Tuesday, one ducting would be needed in the channel for grid west and grid south and all that is needed to underground the North-South interconnector is a second one. I asked him about the technical issues arising because for the last several years EirGrid has argued that it is not technically possible to underground the North-South interconnector. I ask the Minister to review the chief executive's comments because he acknowledged that it was technically possible. Bearing in mind the significant concerns that have arisen in affected communities and the devastation that will be inflicted on them, the Government should meet EirGrid to discuss the underground option if it is technically possible.

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I am not in a position to comment on what was said at the committee. However, I know from my knowledge of the project and the requirements in respect of the grid that technical feasibility is not the only aspect to be considered. All of us are aware that cost represents another dimension. The issue is one for EirGrid to address. It has brought forward its proposals and the independent expert panel has examined them. Technical feasibility is one aspect of the project but the cost will be a key factor in deciding on the approach to be adopted.