Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon, has this week welcomed the announcement of the establishment of an expert panel to oversee the preparation of reports on underground options for the proposed Gridlink route.

“I had called for a full review of the underground options in the Dail, highlighting the issue directly to Minister Rabbitte, and in my submission on the Gridlink project, so I very much welcome this announcement.  Eirgrid had produced 5 alternative routes for consideration without adequately examining the underground options.”

“The expert panel announced by Minister Rabbitte this is week is of a high calibre including Colm McCarthy and John Fitzgerald and I look forward to following their work.”

“I also welcome Minister Rabbitte’s confirmation this week in reply to my parliamentary question that he is undertaking a full review of Irish Energy Policy this year in light of the substantial changes to the energy policy landscape since it was last published in 2007.”

“Minister Rabbitte confirmed that there will be a full public consultation process on the draft policy later this year, during which interested parties will be invited to submit their views on the shape of Ireland’s future energy policy.  I look forward to actively engaging on a review of this important policy during 2014.”