Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013
308. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the regular contact between his Department and EirGrid during the initial consultation period; if he is closely monitoring the outpouring of adverse public reaction to the EirGrid proposals, which have been seen across the country in the potentially affected areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52753/13]
View answerI am aware that many people are concerned about the impact that new transmission lines and other energy infrastructure can have on the landscape, the environment and on local communities. I have, therefore, repeatedly said that it is essential that Grid25 and other energy infrastructure plans are taken forward on the basis of the best available knowledge and informed meaningful engagement on the impacts and costs of the various options.
In delivering the Grid25 programme, EirGrid must: - undertake and communicate well-informed, objective and authoritative analysis, thorough impact assessment and pre-planning consultation, in arriving at optimal routes, technology choice, design and costings:
- address and where possible avoid any human, environmental or landscape impact in delivering the best possible engineering solutions for our small and still isolated electricity system;
- adhere to national and international standards on health, environment, biodiversity, landscape and safety as an intrinsic part of the planning process.
I can confirm that there is regular contact between EirGrid and my Department on a range of issues, as is usual between the shareholder and any state company.
