Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the study on the comparative merits of overhead electricity transmission lines versus underground cables; when it will be published; if such a study will be carried out in every instance in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14645/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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International consultants Ecofys have been appointed to undertake the independent study on the comparative merits of overhead electricity transmission lines versus underground cables. The consultants were appointed on 8th April 2008 following a tender process launched on 29 February on the Government's eTenders website. Ecofys, which is based in the Netherlands, with offices in twelve different countries worldwide, specialises in energy saving and renewable energy solutions. Ecofys will also utilise the services of Golder Associates, a global group of consulting companies specialising in ground engineering and environmental services. Golder has provided environmental consultancy services for a range of electricity generation and transmission related projects both in Ireland and the UK.

The independent study is being undertaken by Ecofys at a national, not a project-specific level and will offer professional advice on best international practice for the construction of transmission lines, thereby informing debate and decisions on national transmission development. It is not therefore intended that such a study would be carried out in relation to future individual projects which will in any event be subject to the full range of assessments and analysis as required under the planning process.

In tandem with the tender process, my Department placed advertisements in nine national newspapers requesting submissions from the public on the issue. Over 500 submissions were received by the closing date of 7th March. The consultants have been furnished with these submissions and will consider points raised, in their analysis of the merits or otherwise of underground and overground options. The consultants will also be available to meet with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, to discuss the details of the report, once published. The report is scheduled to be finalised by early June and will be published thereafter. The time frame for completion of the work is in line with the tender specification.