Irish Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has published the independent Study on the Comparative Merits of Overhead Electricity Transmission Lines Versus Underground Cables.

The Study was initiated in February of this year following calls from deputies from all sides of the house, particularly those members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for an independent study to consider the issues involved with both types of transmission infrastructure.

The study was conducted by international consultants Ecofys and Golder Associates, a global group specialising in ground engineering and environmental services, in partnership with an expert in underground cable technology.

A total of 522 submissions were received and reviewed by the consultants undertaking the report. Current international practice and two hypothetical case studies with route lengths of 100 km and 50 km were examined.

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The study examined electricity transmission technologies, comparisons of technical and economic characteristics, environmental and health impacts, policy implications and costs. The study was not project specific and was designed to inform decisions on transmission infrastructure generally.

The study found increasing pressure internationally has become an important driver for underground cables as an alternative. The technology for underground cables at high voltages is continuing to develop.

It also revealed international experience of laying such cables over long distances is limited and the majority of existing projects do not represent transmission connections in conventional networks such as we have in Ireland

The minister said: "The Study demonstrates that decisions on these kinds of projects need to take a wide range of complex technical, economic, environmental and other considerations into account.

"My Department will now arrange for the consultants to present their findings to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

"The Study was commissioned in order to provde an accurate and independent set of facts regarding the technical, environmental, health and cost implications of overhead lines relative to underground cables. This report provides these facts."

"I am confident that this Study will assist all interested parties in current and future transmission projects," he added.

(PR/JM)