Electricity Transmission Network

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (1259, 1279, 1281)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

1259. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the impact of the proposed pylons and overhead power lines on the tourism industry in south Tipperary in view of the fact that Ireland's scenery has been a cornerstone of international tourism marketing campaigns for decades, and a Fáilte Ireland visitor attitudes survey in 2007 showed that 80% of overseas holiday makers to Ireland rated scenery as an important reason for their trips, followed by the natural unspoilt environment at 74%; his views regarding the future direction of tourism in Ireland and County Tipperary should pylons and overhead power lines be erected; his views on whether such actions will have a massive negative impact on walking tours within Ireland which are an important aspect of tourism in County Tipperary; if his Department has made a submission to EirGrid's gridlink project consultation process highlighting the possible negative impact on these important industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45826/13]

Dara Calleary

Question:

1279. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or any of the agencies under his aegis have had consultations with EirGrid in relation to the ongoing grid projects; the impact of pylons on the landscape of many scenic areas and the negative consequences of such impact for tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46628/13]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

1281. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have had discussions with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and-or departmental officials on the possible impact of the proposed new EirGrid high voltage power line systems on the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46747/13]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1259, 1279 and 1281 together.

My Department and I work closely with other Government Departments on all aspects of policy which affect the tourism industry including for example the National Landscape Strategy Steering Committee, under my colleague, Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. In addition, Fáilte Ireland is a prescribed body under Planning and Development legislation for all planning applications which may have a significant impact from a tourism perspective.  Consequently, consideration of the impact of specific developments on tourism is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, and I have referred the Deputy's Question to the agency for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.