Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he intends directing EirGrid to halt any further work on the Meath-Tyrone interconnector until an independent analysis is carried out by qualified experts on the alternative of putting the cable underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16343/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 231: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he intends appointing independent international experts to examine and report on the case for and the extra costs associated with putting part or all of the Meath-Tyrone 440 kVA power line underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16344/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.

The planning, development and routing of transmission line infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid, which is the State owned body responsible for the electricity transmission system. I have no statutory function regarding the planning and construction of energy networks.

The Government fully endorses the strategic national importance of investing in Ireland's electricity transmission infrastructure. In that context the Meath-Tyrone 400KV Interconnector is a key strategic project for the economies and consumers both North and South. It is also critical to ensuring energy supply adequacy on the island of Ireland.

The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of an independent international expert commission to review within six months the case for, and cost of, undergrounding all or part of the Meath-Tyrone line. The review will not consider whether the Meath-Tyrone Interconnector should be built. It will consider the case for and cost of undergrounding and will take account of the significant corpus of analysis already commissioned into the undergrounding option.

EirGrid has begun a new round of non statutory public consultation in relation to the Meath–Tyrone Interconnector preparatory to a formal new application to An Bord Pleanála. This preparatory work by EirGrid does not in anyway pre-empt or undermine the Programme for Government commitment. There is no requirement in the Programme for Government that EirGrid should halt all preparatory work and EirGrid has publicly stated that it will fully cooperate with the review and have due regard to its findings.

As soon as I am satisfied with arrangements for the proposed expert commission I will be announcing its establishment. I have asked my Department to expedite those arrangements with a view to an announcement shortly.