Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2017
306. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the report will be published on the costing to the undergrounding of the proposed EirGrid North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44666/17]
View answerFollowing the motions calling for an updated independent study that were passed by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann earlier this year, I have commissioned two independent studies designed to address the main points of the motions as well as key concerns expressed by parties opposed to the development of an overhead line.
The first is an independent study to examine the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the interconnector. I have approved the appointment of independent experts to carry out this study and their work commenced in August. The consultants are Bo Normark, who will Chair the Group, Professor Ronnie Belmans and Professor Keith Bell. This Independent Expert Group is expected to deliver its final report by the end of January 2018.
I have also commissioned a study on the levels of compensation provided to land and property owners in proximity to high-voltage transmission lines in a European context. Work is also underway on this study and its results are expected in Q1 2018.
