Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1426. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has given further consideration to the concerns outlined by public representatives in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath in relation to the draft terms of reference for the independent study in relation to the proposed North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36861/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I have approved the appointment of independent experts to carry out this study and their work has commenced. The consultants are: Bo Normark (Chair), Prof. Ronnie Belmans and Prof. Keith Bell.  This Independent Expert Group is expected to deliver their final report by 31 January 2018. The terms of reference fulfil the central point of the motions that were passed in both Houses. That is to “examine the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the North-South Interconnector, taking into account the most recent developments in technology and experience gained from existing projects abroad”.

There were three key areas of concern raised in the meetings that I held with Oireachtas members both prior to and after the publication of the terms of reference and also in the meetings that my officials held with Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee and North East Pylon Pressure Campaign. The first two of these – construction and operation costs, and technical feasibility – are included in the terms of reference.

A third strand of issues were raised in these meetings, but these cannot be included. Firstly, An Bord Pleanála and the statutory planning process is the appropriate method by which such impacts are assessed and evaluated.Secondly, it is not possible to quantify such impacts with any degree of certainty. As such, it would therefore be a qualitative assessment. However, as the level of compensation provided to land and property owners is considered to be a reflection of the impact of such factors on land and property values, I have commissioned an additional study to focus on the "Levels of Compensation Provided to Land and Property Owners in Proximity to High-Voltage Transmission Lines in a European Context." This study will deliver a significant body of independently collated information on comparative practices in a number of jurisdictions. My Department is currently finalising the procurement of the necessary expertise to complete this study, and the study is expected to be completed in early 2018.