I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
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.
In light of the motions passed by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann, I have requested officials in my Department to prepare a proposal for an updated independent study that will bring further clarity to the relative cost and technical merits of overhead and underground solutions for the North South Interconnector.
My officials are currently preparing the terms of reference for this study and, in that regard, have met with North-East Pylon Pressure Campaign this week and plan to meet Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee next week.
The section of the project in Ireland which received planning permission from An Bord Pleanála in December 2016 is currently the subject of judicial review proceedings. The planning process is still underway in Northern Ireland. Construction of the project is not planned to commence before 2018 and I intend that this report be completed and published before the end of this year.