Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 335: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the electricity interconnector between Ireland and the UK. [14003/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the North South Interconnector which is the proposed Meath-Tyrone transmission line. The North South transmission line project is a strategically vital project for the island of Ireland. It will assist in the integration of renewable electricity, further consolidate the all-island electricity market, enhance competitiveness and support inward investment.

In line with the Programme for Government commitment, I appointed an international commission in July 2011 to review and report on the case for and cost of undergrounding the Meath-Tyrone power lines. I received the report of the Commission in January and, having advised the Government published it and forwarded it to the Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture for the Committee's consideration. Following a period of reflection, including the completion of the Committee's own deliberations I will be reverting to Government on Security of Energy Supply matters generally including the strategic necessity to cost effectively develop and upgrade the national electricity grid.