Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Tuohy and thank him for his presentation. He set out a good understanding of the challenges facing EirGrid and he is familiar with the fact that parts of the grid are creaking, particularly in a large urban area like Dublin. He is aware that electricity is generated from gas on mobile generators in certain parts of the city in order to meet the demand of the growing population bases. There are a few challenges ahead. Perhaps he will relay a few thoughts on how this can be addressed.

Following the Chairman's point about the potential for wind energy collected at sea, when it is brought ashore it poses a significant challenge to get it to a point of usage. Mr. Tuohy spoke about the immediate potential in shallower waters in the Irish Sea and there is quite a level of advancement there. When we bring it ashore and especially when it is done over the ground with pylons, particular concern might be expressed. The same applies on the west coast and how energy might be traversed across the country. Does Mr. Tuohy have any views on underground versus overground? We have had some of this debate at the committee before.

Mr. Tuohy correctly emphasised the engagement with community and the necessity community buy-in. Over time communities have demonstrated a resilience if accepting something is necessary for the community but when they are part of a transit point, they have not demonstrated the same resilience in accepting what they might consider visual disruption in their community. We speak about protecting the environment, which is very important, and that is why there is such a significant projected growth in the generation of electricity. It will be needed to protect the environment by moving away from fossil fuel use in society. How would Mr. Tuohy speak to the people concerned about the visual amenity of their environment with the potential for a greater number of pylons? The same challenge is there with wind farms as with pylons. Does Mr. Tuohy have any thoughts on how EirGrid might be able to lead in a different strategic direction in that respect?