Independent Studies in relation to the North South Interconnector project

Independent Studies in relation to the North South Interconnector project

Page Content

​​​​Motions were passed in Dáil and Seanad Éireann on 16 February 2017 and 1 March 2017 respectively calling for an updated independent study into the north-south interconnector. Two independent studies were subsequently commissioned to address the main points of the motions as well as key concerns expressed by parties opposed to the development.

The first is a study to investigate the cost and technical feasi​bility of undergrounding the North South interconnector. The report was conducted by an International Expert Commission made up of Bo Normark, Ronnie Belmans and Keith Bell.

The second study examines the levels of compensation provided to land and property owners in proximity to high-voltage transmission lines inrestructuring - that the company be led by a new chief executive.

He believed the company had a strong future once it worked its way out of the market downturn and thanked the employees who had helped it achieve past successes. He wished them the best for the future.

In 2000, Elder was installed in what was expected to be a three-year post as Solid Energy’s chief executive to pay off the company’s debt and wind it up.

The company had lost $87 million in the year to June 1999 through a slump in international coal prices and $24m of losses on currency hedging contracts.

It was suggested Elder view the role at Solid Energy, formerly Coal Corp, as a stepping stone to bigger paying positions overseas.

Elder had been head-hunted while in