Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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I thank the EirGrid deputation for their presentation. I wish to clarify a point on Grid West. The representatives from EirGrid have said it is dead in the water at the moment. Is that for good? I want to know that clearly.

One thing EirGrid might consider is the position around Carrick-on-Shannon. I was down there where all the networks come together and it is like a spider with ten times the number of legs it should have. It needs a ferocious tidying up. If I lived around there, I would consider getting a con saw given the state of things. It is brutal, to be honest. I do not know how people in that area can put up with the maze of wires coming every which way. A farmer could not even farm properly. I call on EirGrid to look at that.

Reference was made to the North-South issue. Has EirGrid examined producing more electricity in the North, perhaps with a view to there being no necessity for this to go ahead? The EirGrid representatives have talked about two sides of the country being dead in the water now. For the sake of the future, EirGrid representatives have said previously that they could not do it in every part of Ireland. Part of Grid West was supposed to go underground at the time. Why can we not facilitate the people now in Monaghan and those affected by the North-South issue and put it underground and go for it? It may cost a little extra but I do not believe people begrudge other people in any part of the country eyesores. I do not want people enduring eyesores, no matter where they are. EirGrid should strongly look at this. No one begrudges anyone electricity whether they are in the north, south, east or west. The EirGrid representatives mentioned people with different justices and people from different backgrounds. It is one thing to live in a place and not look at these things but it is another thing to have them 50 or 60 meters from the back door. This is sickening equipment to have nearby.

I am not from that area, but EirGrid should consider listening to the people and the representatives from there. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan is from Limerick country. I am from the west of Ireland. I have no wish to see someone from another part of Ireland disenfranchised or put out. They deserve the same as anyone else. I call on EirGrid to consider that and go for it.