Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the North-South interconnector and the report into overhead versus underground transmission lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21398/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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In the course of EirGrid's pre-planning public consultations on proposed routes for the North-South and Meath-Cavan transmission lines, concerns were expressed locally about the impacts of overhead transmission lines. Noting that these concerns are likely to be common to all transmission line projects, and in order to provide clarity on issues in relation to overhead versus underground transmission lines, I decided that the Department would commission an independent national study on this issue.

International consultants Ecofys were 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 are also utilising 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 as a national assessment as opposed to being project-specific. The study will offer professional advice on best international practice for the construction of transmission lines, thereby informing debate and decisions on national transmission development.

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 7 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.