Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I want to clarify something regarding amendment No. 718. Where a project is strategic, it is a Chapter 4 application and will go to the commission. However, local authorities are well capable of granting permissions for development of transmission infrastructure. I am wondering whether the definition of a strategic proposal refers to developments of 110 kV or more. There may be smaller networks of 110 kV in respect of which permission could be granted by the local authority. That is what I am trying to clarify in amendment No. 718. Could an applicant go the commission and say that although the proposal is for a 110 kV system, it is small and located within the county, and ask whether it can be presented to the local authority? I think the Minister said he will come back on Report Stage on this matter.