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Previous Updates

Update November 2010

There has been some misinformation circulating that EirGrid would like to clarify:

Works on the Interconnector will not take place on Rush Main Street until the new year and EirGrid was not involved in any way in the selection of the International Expert that completed the EMF Health review for Minister Ryan. To view full report.

We will ensure that people will have access to their homes and businesses at all times and we are working with the community, Fingal County Council and the Gardai to ensure that disruption is minimised.
  
EirGrid has opened an Information Office in Rush to deal with any questions from residents. To make an appointment to meet the project team call 1890 36 46 56.
 
• More information on the project is available at www.interconnector.ie
• For email updates email eastwestinterconnector@eirgrid.com.
• For text updates text FINGAL to 51500 (standard SMS rates apply).
• Telephone queries and to make an appointment call 1890 36 46 56

Independent Report confirms East West Interconnector is safe
 
An Independent Health Expert Opinion commissioned by Minister Eamon Ryan has confirmed that the EirGrid West Interconnector poses no health risk. Eric van Rongen, PhD, a radiobiologist and an internationally recognised expert in health effects of electromagnetic fields confirmed  that  “…there are no indications that exposure to the static magnetic fields generated by the HVDC cable will in any way adversely affect human health, neither through acute nor through long term effects. The risk associated with this exposure can be considered to be as close to zero as possible”. To view full report.

Update October 2010

Work adjacent to Estuary
Work has now been completed for this season in the land adjacent to Rogerstown Estuary. This was a condition of An Bord Pleanala's planning permission for the East West Interconnector:

Part of Condition 4: Construction works in relation to the proposed development shall not take place in the following places and instances:
(a) In the vicinity of Rogerstown estuary within the bird over-wintering season.

Additional information to questions raised:

EirGrid answered a number of questions raised by Rush Community Council which was issued on October 5th. Answers to questions raised by Rush Community Council 5th October 2010

Some people have asked us to provide additional information in relation to magnetic fields and the East West Interconnector. Many of us are probably unaware of the everyday sources of magnetic fields. Here are just a few examples: Every day sources of magnetic fields .

It is important that people have correct information concerning the East West Interconnector. Recently a leaflet and a letter has been distributed to local residents in Rush to respond to concerns that have been raised with us directly.  Facts about the Interconnector Issue 1 and Letter to Rush Residents 6th September 2010 .

We hope this letter will reassure people in relation to concerns they may have.

Update August 2010

Rush Community Council have raised concerns about health and safety regarding the East West Interconnector with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to which EirGrid has responded to. We have adressed these concerns through providing detailed responses, information and in some cases clarifications on points raised.

Response to Rush Community Council

Having responded to the concerns of Rush Community Council, it is vital that we and our contractors now proceed with the project to ensure delivery by the 2012 deadline. 

We would like to work with all local communities and their elected representatives to minimise disruption to businesses and traffic during this construction phase to help deliver this piece of strategic infrastructure which will be of great value to Ireland.

Update July 2010:

We have recently responded to a number of questions raised by Rush Community Council. You can view the document here: EirGrid answers to questions raised by Rush Community Council

We have answered the questions in simple language where possible but some technical questions required detailed technical responses. Health and safety are absolutely fundamental to how we work and we operate our network in full compliance with international guidelines and recommendations at all times.

Construction has now commenced in Ireland and local residents have been advised of works in their area.  To receive email updates on works in your area email eastwestinterconnector@eirgrid.com

To receive text updates on works in your area, text the relevant key word to 51500:

For general Updates - Text EIRGRID to 51500

For Fingal County Updates – Text FINGAL to 51500

For Meath County Updates – Text MEATH to 51500

(standard rate SMS)

You can also call our lo-call information line on 1890 36 46 56.

Update June 2010:

The civil contractors have been appointed to Fingal and Meath and finalisations are being made to the programme of works. As soon as we receive the finalised traffic management plans we will make them available on this website.

As confirmed since the outset of the project, we will give local communities advance notice of works and will work with you to minimise traffic disruptions. We have received very complimentary feedback from the local communities in Wales where the installation of the interconnector is well underway. We worked well with the local community in Flint to complete works in front of the school in just 10 days.

Thank you to all those who attended the information days in Rush and Ratoath. As promised at our meeting with representatives of Rush Community Council, we are happy to respond to any requests for information with regard to the Interconnector. A number of questions have been received and we will respond to those in detail next week.

Others have requested assurances that the community contribution for Fingal be ring fenced for Rush and we have written to Fingal County Council in relation to this matter. Fingal County Council will respond to us in writing to confirm this request, a copy of which will be added to the website as soon as we receive it.

In relation to job queries that we have received, we can confirm that your details have been passed to our contractors.

We look forward to commencing the construction phase on this vital Interconnector in Ireland in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact us.