Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-153446) pertaining to the Amended and Restated James Hardie Industries SE Managing Board Transitional Stock Option Plan 2005 and the Amended and Restated James Hardie Industries SE Supervisory Board Share Plan 2006 of our reports dated June 19, 2009 with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of James Hardie Industries N.V. included in its Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended March 31, 2009, and to the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of James Hardie Industries N.V. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Orange County, California
February 17, 2010