Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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196. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he plans to publish the independent review of the proposed North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23944/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The North South Interconnector, as proposed as an overhead line, now has full planning permission in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. I have listened carefully to the issues raised in relation to this project, particularly those living in close proximity to the proposed project. In February and March 2017, two motions calling for an updated independent study into the north-south interconnector were passed by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.  I met with the Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee and North East Pylon Pressure Campaign, together with Oireachtas members from Cavan, Monaghan and Meath in February 2017. I subsequently met with Oireachtas members in May 2017 and most recently again in January of this year. In addition, my officials have held separate meetings with the Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee and North East Pylon Pressure Campaign in March and April last year.

All of these engagements – together with the motions - were important in my decision to commission two independent studies into the project. The studies were designed to address the main points of the motions as well as key concerns expressed by those parties opposed to the development of an overhead line.

I have indicated previously that the Consultants undertaking the two studies have finalised their reports, that once considered in my department and submitted to me it is my intention that these will be brought to Government and made publicly available, and that this process would take some time to complete.