Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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64. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, in view of the widespread concerns in communities in counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath and reflected in statements by public representatives in those counties in relation to the EirGrid proposal to construct the North-South interconnector, he will direct EirGrid to underground these transmission cables if the project proceeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5530/17]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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67. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will instruct EirGrid to underground the North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5808/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 67 together.

On 21 December 2016 An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the north-south interconnector in Ireland. The decision concluded a lengthy planning process which included an Oral Hearing completed over a 10 week period from March to May last year. The planning process in Northern Ireland is still ongoing, with a planning inquiry due to commence on 22 February of this year.

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 2012 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.

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.

I refer also to the reply to Questions No. 40 and 558 on today's Order Paper.