Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017
332. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the draft terms of reference regarding the North-South interconnector will be circulated to Members of the Oireachtas and to a committee in County Monaghan and another organisation (details supplied) for comment before they are signed off on; and if these terms of reference will require Cabinet approval. [18935/17]
View answer342. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when it is proposed to finalise the terms of reference in relation to the study to be undertaken concerning the proposed North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19087/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 342 together.
In light of the motions passed by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann, I 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.
In preparing the terms of reference for this study, and also to fulfil the commitment made at a meeting I held with public representatives and local community groups in Leinster House on 8 February, my officials held meetings with representatives of the North East Pylon Pressure Campaign on 28 March and the Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee on 3 April.
I have now received the draft terms of reference for the study. Together with my officials I hope to finalise them in the coming days and I will revert to members of the Oireachtas thereafter. The terms of reference will not require cabinet approval however I expect to fully brief cabinet colleagues as to the approach to the study.
