North-South interconnector report
Deputy Shane Cassells asks whether the independent report on undergrounding the North-South interconnector has gone to Cabinet and what it recommends. The Taoiseach says the memo was approved and published, and tells him to read the report rather than expect a summary answer.
Two weeks ago, I questioned the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Deputy Naughten, on the independent report into the viability of undergrounding the EirGrid North-South interconnector power line which it is proposed will traverse counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. He stated that he was to bring the report to the Cabinet. Has a memo on the issue been brought to the Cabinet? I ask the Taoiseach to tell the people of counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan whether the report backs undergrounding or promotes overground pylons as the best option. Was the memo endorsed by the Cabinet? Did any member of the Cabinet object to the report?
Comment on this
The memo was today approved by the Cabinet. I understand it has been published. If it has not, that will be done in the next few hours. It will now go to the joint Oireachtas committee for further consideration.