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Electricity Transmission Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Questions (605)

James Bannon

Question:

605. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on plans to bring high voltage electricity transmission systems under EirGrid's grid 25 programme, to the north midlands in view of the fact that this is vital to the economic development of the region, particularly counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1475/13]

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Written answers

EirGrid’s Grid25 is a strategy to develop the transmission networks to put in place safe, secure and affordable electricity supplies throughout Ireland supporting economic growth, renewable and sustainable energy. The Government endorses this major investment underway in the high voltage electricity transmission system. Grid25 is the most important investment in Ireland’s transmission system for several generations and will position our energy system for decades to come.

The Government, in its ‘Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure’ (published in July 2012) underlined the need and urgency for new energy infrastructure in the national interest and from a European perspective. In addition to the interests of individual consumers, the Policy Statement was equally conscious that public acceptability of such infrastructure is a major challenge. Social acceptance and understanding of the need for new infrastructure is critical. Public acceptability requires public confidence that projects and programmes adhere to the highest international standards of safety, health and environmental and visual impact, and technology choice.

The Government affirmed that EirGrid and ESB Networks and Bord Gáis are obliged to adhere to all relevant guidelines and standards and they act in the national interest, and on behalf of all electricity consumers. The Government has confidence that the forward process from the national planning framework of the National Spatial Strategy, to Regional Planning Guidelines and local development planning and the Strategic Infrastructure Act, provides the necessary framework for ensuring that all necessary standards are met and that extensive statutory and non-statutory consultation are key to creating public confidence to this effect.

Grid 25 and other essential energy infrastructure will have positive impacts for all local communities in underpinning regional and economic development and jobs. Specifically with regard to the North Midlands, EirGrid has recently secured planning permission for a new 110 kV line between Kinnegad and Mullingar. This will help secure supplies of electricity to these areas and facilitate inward investment projects being attracted to the area. EirGrid would be happy to offer the Deputy a detailed briefing in the matter, should he so wish.

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