Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2015
82. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on his engagements with EirGrid in respect of the proposed North-South energy interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38942/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, EirGrid made a formal application for the North South Transmission Link Project to An Bord Pleanála on 9 June 2015. I am constrained, therefore, in what I can say in relation to the project other than the provision of factual information.
The North South Transmission Link project is part of EirGrid’s Grid25 plan to upgrade the national electricity transmission system between now and 2025. It is a strategically urgent project that will remove restrictions limiting cross-border power flows between Ireland and Northern Ireland thus strengthening security of electricity supply throughout the island of Ireland.
In discharging its duties as operator and developer of the national transmission grid, EirGrid engages with communities and citizens on an ongoing basis. In December 2014 it completed a comprehensive review of its existing consultation process and has been working since then to implement the commitments arising from the review including: developing a participative, more community based approach; changing fundamentally its culture and processes so as to develop stronger engagement and relationships with stakeholders; and encouraging more effective discussion on energy and critical infrastructure.
EirGrid has opened offices in Navan, Cootehill and Carrickmacross and has appointed Community Liaison Officers and Agricultural Liaison Officers who are all involved in outreach to the local communities along the intended route of the North South Transmission Link project. There has been extensive public consultation on the North South Transmission Link project including statutory consultation as required under Regulation (EU) No. 347/2013 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure and Section 182A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended.
