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North-South Interconnector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Ceisteanna (82, 86, 88)

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

82. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has examined the potential devaluation of private homes close to overhead pylons proposed for the north-south interconnector grid in counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1572/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

86. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a review of the proposed north-south interconnector project will be undertaken in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1517/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Johnny Guirke

Ceist:

88. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the most recent occasions he has met with all anti-pylon groups, community groups and residents and farmers over concerns for overhead pylons on the north-south interconnector route in counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1571/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82, 86 , 86   and  88  together.

The North-South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the all-island single electricity market and increasing security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will also help Ireland to move towards 70% renewable electricity by 2030. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland’s economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers. 

Government does not have any role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground. This is consistent with  the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure which states: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’. 

The option of undergrounding the North-South Interconnector has been comprehensively assessed on several occasions.  Most recently and fully in line with the resolution of Dáil Éireann of 16 February 2017, my Department commissioned an independent report incorporating international industry expertise to examine the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the North-South interconnector. The report from the International Expert Commission was published in October 2018 and it found that an overhead line remains the most appropriate option for this piece of critical electricity infrastructure. I do not intend ordering a repeat of such a review.

In a separate independent study carried out by KHSK Economic Consultants and also published in October 2018, the issue of possible impacts on the valuation of homes was considered. The report "International Practice in the approach to and levels of compensation of property owners in proximity to high voltage transmission lines" indicated that transmission lines have a negligible or small impact on property values, and where an impact was found it tends to be short term only. It is to be expected that this project will attract new levels of investment and employment opportunities that will significantly benefit the local economy.

EirGrid and ESB Networks, as our electricity system operators, always seek to work in close collaboration with landowners and stakeholders in the delivery of electricity infrastructure. Both companies are engaging with those living closest to the route of the interconnector. In that regard I note that EirGrid has already set in place a variety of engagements locally, including the appointment of community liaison officers and a mobile information unit active in the area. I expect such engagements to intensify in the coming weeks and months, subject to Covid-19 public health guidelines.

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