The next question is in the name of Deputy Sean Fleming. I gather it has been assigned to Deputy Shane Cassells.
Thursday, 16 June 2016
Ceisteanna (12)
Freagraí ó Béal (12 píosaí cainte)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:12. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to support putting the North-South electricity interconnector underground using high-voltage direct current technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16229/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Will the Minister support the undergrounding of the North-South interconnector using the technology now available? Will the Minister put a halt to the current plan? It would destroy the landscapes of Meath, Cavan and Monaghan if these monstrous pylons were to be constructed in these three counties.
In fairness, all Deputies in the region have contacted me at this stage on this issue. EirGrid is the designated transmission system operator. Its roles include the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. As detailed in the Government policy statement on the strategic importance of transmission and other energy infrastructure, the Government does not seek to direct EirGrid in the development of energy infrastructure to particular sites or routes or technologies.
EirGrid made a formal application for a North-South 400 kV interconnector project to An Bord Pleanála on 9 June 2015. This is the subject of a statutory independent planning process and is currently before An Bord Pleanála. Part of this process included an oral hearing that concluded last month. As the planning process is still ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
I know the Minister is an altogether decent man. I am appealing to the Minister, on behalf of the people of these counties, to become involved because this is a major issue for the counties of Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. Not only would it destroy the landscapes of these counties, it would destroy people's homes. I have sat in the homes of people throughout County Meath. These monstrous pylons will be built beside their homes and will destroy their lives. It is amazing to think that in 2013 the EirGrid chairman, John O'Connor, sat before a Dáil committee and said he would not want to live beside one of these pylons. However, he seems to think it is good enough for the rest of the people in these counties.
The North East Pylon Pressure Campaign is led by Aimée Treacy and Padraig O'Reilly. They have spearheaded a campaign to stop the project but they are being thwarted by the formidable legal people of EirGrid. I was at the High Court hearing some months ago when the project was challenged. The Minister's office, under the previous officeholder, and EirGrid used powerful legal teams to fight against the community groups. We need the Minister to stand up for the people rather than EirGrid. EirGrid is spending money relentlessly on public relations campaigns to try to curry public favour but it is destroying people's lives. I appeal to the Minister to get involved and arrange to put these pylons and cables underground. The people need the Minister to stand up for them.
I understand the frustration among people in this case, but the Government does not direct EirGrid on what mechanism it should use. We need an interconnector. People agree that we need an interconnector. The debate has been how that connection would be made.
The Government has not directed EirGrid in any way in this matter. This project is before An Bord Pleanála at the moment. An Bord Pleanála has weighed up the options and all the arguments on all sides. We are going to get a decision from An Bord Pleanála.
I have read some of the numerous reports into undergrounding. However, the reality is that the North-South transmission project is required to ensure security of supply of electricity to Northern Ireland. The existing 225 kV double circuit overhead transmission line between Louth and Armagh is simply insufficient to meet the needs.
The Minister referred to the An Bord Pleanála hearing. I was there and gave evidence at the hearing in Monaghan as well. Representatives from EirGrid came in on numerous occasions during the hearing and changed aspects of their application during the hearing. They came with images that bore no resemblance to the application. These people are ruthless in the pursuit of their aim and do not care about the people. This Chamber is here to care about the people. The Government can most certainly become involved. The previous two Ministers had no wish to hear from the people's side. Therefore, I am appealing to the Minister not to read out the material prepared by the Department but to listen to the voices. This can be stopped before the September ruling by An Bord Pleanála. We need to see an intervention by Government in this respect.
I have been listening to Members. I have listened to a number of Members from the areas concerned, all of whom have expressed their concerns on this matter. I have not yet come across one person who takes the view that we do not need the interconnector. It is needed because if the existing line were to go down, there simply would not be enough electricity reaching the north east of the island to keep the lights on.
I agree with the Minister.
We have a single electricity market and we need it. It is helping to drive down the cost of electricity for every person throughout the country.
The point is that it should be done underground.
I hear what Deputy Cassells is saying and I have heard and listened to what other colleagues in the House have said as well. I understand the frustration that exists but a statutory process is ongoing.
The frustrating thing is that Pat Rabbitte said the project would drive up prices.