Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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411. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the independent report on the North-South interconnector will be published (details supplied). [38698/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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In 2017 I commissioned two studies designed to address the main points of the motions passed in Dáil and Seanad Éireann as well as key concerns expressed by those opposed to the development of the North South Interconnector as an overhead line.

The first is an independent study to examine the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the interconnector. Three international experts in the field of electricity infrastructure development carried out a comprehensive analysis of international developments in undergrounding technologies since the publication of the International Expert Commission report in 2012. This was a key request of the representatives of the communities concerned about the proposed overhead line development.

The North South Interconnector is critical to ensuring a safe, secure supply of electricity throughout the island of Ireland. It also supports the core objectives of European and national energy policy – namely sustainability, security of supply and competitiveness.

The second study is focused on the levels of compensation provided to land and property owners in proximity to high-voltage transmission lines in a European context.​ This study was undertaken to consider a separate concern raised by public representatives at meetings with me - the impact of transmission lines on land and property values and the level of compensation paid in lieu of such impacts. Levels of compensation provided to land and property owners are considered to be a reflection of the impact of transmission lines on land and property values, so this study, undertaken by KHSK Economic Consultants, analysed the compensation regimes in other European and selected international countries.

Both studies are now completed and have been submitted to me.

In order to have the most up-to-date assessment of implications of Brexit on the energy sector before bringing the reports to Government, I sought views of the energy regulator and electricity and gas transmission system operators on the implications for the electricity market in Ireland in the event of a hard "Brexit", including for the SEM, for timelines for the delivery of programmes such as DS3 and the NSIC and for continued secure cross-border electricity trading across interconnectors. The outcome of this analysis was submitted to my Department recently and is being considered.

It has always been my intention to bring the relevant reports to Government for consideration prior to their publication and I expect to do this shortly.