Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
526. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans regarding pylons in County Meath; if he has considered any alternatives to installing overhead power lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5682/13]
View answerI have no direct role in the planning and construction of the transmission network. These are operational matters for EirGrid which is the independent statutory State body responsible for the development and maintenance of the national electricity transmission system.
However, the Programme for Government committed to the establishment of an independent international expert commission to review the case for, and cost of, undergrounding all or part of the planned Meath-Tyrone 400kV electricity line. The Commission was appointed by me in July 2011 and its Report was published in January 2012. The Report is available on my Department’s website: www.dcenr.gov.ie. This Report was subsequently considered by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture and the outcome of their deliberations was published in June 2012 on the Oireachtas website: www.oireachtas.ie .
EirGrid is fully committed to public consultation with local communities and all stakeholders on its transmission network development projects.
In keeping with best international practice EirGrid will undertake regular reviews at all key stages of the project to test key technology assumptions. This will take account of potential advances in technology.
The Government wants to give a strong consistent message to Irish business and multinationals, and our citizens, that Ireland’s electricity networks are robust, modern comprehensive and safe. The investment programmes of EirGrid are critical to ensuring that the national energy infrastructure is maintained and built cost effectively to the highest standards and with full regard for environmental, safety and health requirements and the needs of local communities.
The strategic and economic importance of investment in networks and energy infrastructure was emphasised in the ‘Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure’, published in July 2012, which is available on my Department’s website: www.dcenr.gov.ie
The North-South transmission line is vital infrastructure for the island. The lack of sufficient interconnection between the North and South is preventing the full benefits of the all-island market being realised for consumers. The continued absence of the transmission line is costing the economies and consumers, North and South, up to €30 million every year, since without it, the electricity system is more inefficient from an operational perspective. I understand from EirGrid that it is undertaking design work on the North South transmission line with a view to submitting the project to planning before the end of the year. To date, every single affected landowner has been given the opportunity to participate in the consultation process. EirGrid will also conduct new consultation with landowners and the general public before finalising its application for planning approval.
Completion of the North South project will further consolidate the all-island electricity market established in 2007, providing for the seamless transfer of electricity across the island, delivering greater competition, reducing the need for further investment in thermal generation and ensuring the availability of low cost generation to the market.
