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Planning Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 October 2010

Wednesday, 20 October 2010

Ceisteanna (40)

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

70 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the explanation Eirgrid have given him for the failure of the planning application for the Meath-Tyrone 400KV power lines; if he will meet the costs of the objectors to the project which were incurred in connection with the oral hearing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37832/10]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

EirGrid applied for planning consent for the Meath Tyrone 400kV Interconnection Development Project in December 2009, under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as inserted by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.

An Bord Pleanála convened an oral hearing on the matter on the 10th of May 2010. On Wednesday 23rd June, it was drawn to EirGrid's and the inspector's attention that there was an error in the newspaper public notice and site notice relating to pylon height ranges for a section of the project. It is the case that full details of the correct heights of pylon heights in question were fully and accurately described in the Environmental Impact Statement and in the accompanying planning drawings, which were submitted to An Bord Pleanála.

EirGrid has undertaken a review of the circumstances which led to the error in the public notice. I have been furnished with a copy of this review, which also is publicly available on EirGrid's website: www.eirgrid.com. It is clearly a matter of concern and disappointment to see that this key strategic infrastructure project will now be delayed as a result of the error referred to above.

Whilst I appreciate the concerns of individuals and groups who have inputted to the planning process relating to the Meath-Tyrone 400kV Interconnection Project, the operation of the planning system is a matter for the relevant planning authorities. I have no function in relation to the issue of costs.

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