Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
802. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the North-South Interconnector project; if a constructive assessment has taken place in this regard; if public concerns on this matter will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12666/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe North South Interconnector, as proposed as an overhead line, now has full planning permission in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. On 21 December 2016 An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the North-South Interconnector in Ireland. The decision concluded a lengthy planning process which included an Oral Hearing completed over eleven weeks from March to May of 2016. On 23 January 2018, full planning permission was also granted for the section of the line that lies in Northern Ireland.
Following the planning consents, and the conclusion of a number of judicial review proceedings relating to the planning decision in Ireland, the project is an operational matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks, and one in which I have no function.
However I fully respect that this project gives rise to concerns for a number of people, particularly those living in close proximity to the proposed project. Following engagements with representative groups and Oireachtas members in relation to the motions passed in Dáil and Seanad Éireann early last year I commissioned two independent studies into the project. The studies are 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.
It is my intention that the two studies will provide some clarity to the concerned residents of the affected areas. The results of both studies are expected shortly and I will publish the reports and ensure they will be made available to all interested parties.
