Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 329: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will meet with the Rush Community Council, County Dublin, on the EirGrid project in the town; and if he will furnish a copy of the relevant documentation which gave rise to him being assured that the planning process had not been misled. [35904/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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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. I have already responded comprehensively to correspondence from Rush Community Council with regard to the national strategic East West interconnector project and I will respond to their most recent request for a meeting shortly.

I would reiterate my position that I am satisfied that there was no misleading of the planning process by EirGrid. I would also like to make it clear that I have full confidence in EirGrid's commitment to completing this strategically vital project successfully to the highest standards in the national interest and without risk to the health and safety of local communities.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure the publication, on receipt, of the independent commission report on the proposed North-South interconnector; if he will commit to the report's address in the relevant Oireachtas joint committee before Cabinet consideration, thereby allowing for the full gamut of views to be aired and noted by Cabinet members in advance of their consideration; when he expects the independent commission to present its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35933/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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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 committed 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. I would note that the Commission members met eleven public representatives on 13 October. The Commission was appointed in July and its work is nearing completion. The Commission will submit its review to me in the coming weeks. Following the necessary assessment by Department, I intend to bring the review to Government for its consideration in the first instance.