Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 476: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take in order to protect the health and safety of those on the route of the east-west interconnector in view of information (details supplied). [22948/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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EirGrid, the State owned independent electricity transmission system company, is building the East West Interconnector between Ireland and Britain. The construction of this vital strategic infrastructure by EirGrid is on schedule for completion next year. I have no role in the planning and construction of transmission infrastructure, which are operational matters for EirGrid. The planning process for strategic energy infrastructure is a matter for An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Infrastructure Act, in which I have no role.

The Interconnector obtained full planning permission from An Bord Pleanála in September 2009. This approval followed a comprehensive assessment process including a public oral hearing which addressed, inter alia, public health and safety considerations. It is being developed and constructed in line with all relevant national, EU and International guidelines for health, safety and the environment.

In order to allay further concerns expressed by Rush Community Council and to assist local community understanding and confidence, an independent Expert Opinion on health issues relating to High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Cable was commissioned by the Department which was positive in terms of safety of HVDC cable technology. A further report on the operational safety of the interconnector project was commissioned on a jointly agreed basis by Rush Community Council and EirGrid and also reported positively in terms of the operational safety of the project.

There is no reason to doubt EirGrid's commitment to complete this strategically vital project successfully to the highest safety standards in the national interest and without risk to the health and safety of local communities, nor is there any evidence to suggest that EirGrid would deliberately mislead Fingal County Council, An Bord Pleanála or the local communities in any way.