Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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45. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on using an underground alternative to the North-South interconnector employing high-voltage direct-current technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44810/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, EirGrid made a formal application for the North-South Transmission Line project to An Bord Pleanála on 9 June 2015. I am constrained, therefore, in what I can say in relation to the project other than the provision of factual information.

The North-South Transmission Line project is part of EirGrid's plans to upgrade the national electricity transmission system. It is a strategically urgent project that will remove restrictions limiting cross-border power flows between Ireland and Northern Ireland and strengthen security of electricity supply throughout the island of Ireland.

Since the project was initiated, there have been numerous studies into the option of using an underground alternative for the project.

In July 2014, a Government-appointed Independent Expert Panel provided its opinion on whether EirGrid had adequately examined this matter. It found that the studies and work undertaken were compatible with the methodologies being employed on the Grid West and Grid Link projects.

On 27 March 2015 EirGrid published a new independently peer reviewed draft Strategy which found that there remains a clear need for the North-South Transmission Line project, and that the existing proposal for a 400kV overhead line remains the most appropriate solution for the project.