Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018
536. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he plans to take arising from his recent meeting with a group (details supplied) in respect of the proposals by EirGrid to commence work on an electricity substation at Coolnabacka, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7069/18]
View answerAt the meeting referred to which I attended with officials along with my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, the Ratheniska, Timahoe, Spink and Surrounding Areas Substation Action Group presented a lengthy outline of aspects of the project with which they were dissatisfied. These aspects covered issues of concern from the origins of the project in 2009 to the present day. I listened carefully to the many views expressed and I undertook to further consider the issues raised.
The Laois- Kilkenny electricity project is required to improve the security of electricity supply across counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare and Laois. It is a €110 million investment in the area designed to ensure that the electricity network can meet the present and future needs of all users, from homes to farms and small businesses to industrial customers. The project was granted planning permission in 2014 by An Bord Pleanála. That decision was subjected to Judicial Review proceedings which were dismissed in January 2015.
Since the meeting I have asked EirGrid to attend a meeting with my officials to discuss issues raised by the group and that meeting takes place today. I am happy to brief the Deputy on the outcomes of that meeting.
