EirGrid’s public consultation process in relation to Grid Link is a matter for the company and not one in which I, as Minister, have a role or function. However, I have been advised by EirGrid that submissions for the third round of public consultation for the Grid Link project closed on January 7, 2014. Over 38,000 submissions were received, and each one has been considered individually. I understand there are a small number of submissions still under consideration due to the very technical information required to respond adequately to them. The nature of the submissions encompassed a wide range of topics including agriculture, human and animal health, visual impact, community gain, proximity to dwellings, schools and community facilities, and environmental factors. More information is available on EirGrid’s website at the following address:http://www.eirgridprojects.com/media/EirGrid%20response%20to%20key%20themes%20on%20the%20Grid%20Link%20Project.pdf.
The ESRI and ESB submissions were two of over 1,240 responses received to the public consultation on the Energy Policy Green Paper. Insofar as the ESB submission is concerned, it is worth noting that ESB has welcomed the continuing review of EirGrid’s Grid25 Strategy and its ongoing reflection on future grid investment priorities. Both EirGrid and ESB agree that a medium to long-term perspective is necessary in relation to building grid infrastructure, and that Grid25 is required to both facilitate future electricity demand and support balanced regional development. Both companies also acknowledge the need for the rollout of electricity networks to address citizen and community concerns, and to accommodate evolving European energy policy, including in relation to renewable energy. ESB fully supports the EU 2020 target of 16% renewable energy, which entails having 40% of electricity generated from renewable sources. It is important to note that my Department, ESB and EirGrid are all in agreement on the appropriateness and prudence of the 40% target, which is based on solid scientific and engineering evidence.
The question of Proximity Payments is also a matter for EirGrid. However, the July 2012 "Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure" underlined the appropriateness of incorporating community gain considerations into major infrastructure projects. In recognition of the potential impact of transmission infrastructure, EirGrid responded in January 2014 with proposals regarding a community gain mechanism which are set on EirGrid's website at http://www.eirgrid.com/media/Grid25Initiatives.pdf.
