Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 December 2013
142. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Government will, in the interest of environmental best practice and planning, consider doing an analysis of the long term costs and benefits of high voltage cables going underground for the North-South interconnector and the Leinster south-east interconnector. [52068/13]
View answer145. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the work his Department has carried out regarding a cost benefit analysis of placing pylons underground versus overground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52370/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 145 together.
I welcomed the decision made by EirGrid last week to extend the deadline for the consultation process on the GridLink project to 7 January 2014. The period between now and the close of the extended deadline will, no doubt, be useful in providing EirGrid with an opportunity to reflect further on the valid concerns raised in relation to various aspects of the project. If it emerges after 7 January that further steps need to be taken, then due consideration will be given at that point.
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 Meath-Tyrone line. The Commission was appointed in July 2011 and its Report was published in January 2012.
The July 2012 "Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure" emphasised the imperative for the State Companies, and all developers of energy projects, of early, transparent engagement and consultation with local communities and stakeholders. The Statement also made clear that public acceptability requires public confidence that proposals adhere to the highest international standards of safety, health and environmental and visual impact, and technology choice. The Government affirmed that EirGrid and the other State energy companies are obliged to adhere to all relevant guidelines and standards and they act in the national interest, and on behalf of all electricity consumers.
In this regard, the expectation is that those companies in making their choices, of project specific technologies and routing as well as mitigation measures, will take account of all relevant national and international standards, to follow best practice and ensure value for money and be informed by detailed consultation at local level. In addition to undertaking extensive statutory and non statutory public consultation, the State Companies and energy developers must adhere to national and international standards on health, environment, biodiversity, landscape and safety as an intrinsic part of the Planning process.
I am aware that many people are concerned about the immediate and longer term impact that new transmission lines and other energy infrastructure may have on the landscape, the environment and on local communities. Accordingly, it is essential that the GridLink project is taken forward on the basis of the best available knowledge and informed engagement on the impacts and costs of different engineering solutions. EirGrid has stated that it will take full account of all the submissions received during the course of the consultation process.
Finally, it is important that the Government can give a strong consistent message to Irish business and multinationals, and our citizens, that Ireland’s electricity networks are robust, modern and safe. EirGrid's transmissions projects are crucial in that regard.
