Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have put this question to both ESB and Eirgrid and I now wish to hear Mr. Nolan's response. Under the Grid 25 Plan, it is proposed to generate electricity through renewable energy and run pylons from the west to the population on the east coast. Mr. Nolan and I know that people will not want to see the erection of pylons across the landscape on the scale proposed. We both know this proposed development will go to all the planning authorities and will be referred to Europe. Given that most of the electricity is required on the eastern side, very little of the proposed generation capacity is in that part of the country. In essence we are producing electricity in the area in which it is not needed and transfer it by pylon to where it is required. Is it not the essence of sustainability to produce the goods close to where they are required? I asked the chief executive of Eirgrid whether he would ensure that electricity is generated closer to where it is needed? His response is that he has no role in that matter, that producers can produce it where they like but he is legally obliged to get it to where it is required. Mr. Nolan as chairman of CER regulates both the producers and the transport network for transporting the electricity. Does he agree it makes more sense from the environmental point of view to produce it close to where it is required? We are embarking on producing electricity in areas where it is not required and transporting it at enormous cost and thereby creating a significant environmental impact in the process. Does Mr. Nolan have a view on that?