Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1517. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns in communities in counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath over the EirGrid proposal to construct the North-South interconnector; if he will direct EirGrid to underground these transmission cables if the project proceeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1918/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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EirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. As detailed in the Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, the Government does not seek to direct EirGrid in the development of energy infrastructure to particular sites or routes or technologies. EirGrid made a formal application for the North-South 400 kV Interconnector project to An Bord Pleanála on 9 June 2015. A ten week oral hearing took place in 2016, concluding on 23 May.  After their deliberations, An Bord Pleanála announced on 21 December 2016 their approval of planning permission for the project, with a number of conditions attached. The planning process in Northern Ireland is still ongoing, with a planning inquiry due to commence on 22 February of this year.

I am aware of the concerns surrounding this decision within the communities of Meath, Cavan and Monaghan and I have agreed to meet with a number of representative groups to fully hear their concerns.