Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)

In order to meet the needs of Longford-Westmeath, I want to see Smart Grid efficiency extended to the midlands as a matter of urgency. However, it is extremely important at this point to ensure that all cables are routed underground. This is imperative to protect the rural landscape and avoid unsightly interconnectors above ground, which would impact adversely on tourism and have the potential to affect health negatively. Our local economy depends on such provision and without a gas supply, broadband access and a sustainable source of electric power, we cannot compete on the domestic or world markets.

Renewables and interconnectors are the buzz words for our future energy requirements. However, I am deeply concerned at the intrusion of overhead cables on our rural landscape. As I have stated in the past, I strongly advocate the alternative of putting cables underground. In this case, it would be extremely shortsighted to be penny wise and pound foolish. It would cost more, but the long-term benefits should be a driving force for such an initiative.

About three years ago, the Government established a pilot scheme to grow elephant grass. This crop, however, has failed in many areas. A lot of farmers who ploughed up land to cultivate this product are now out of pocket as a result of the pilot scheme's failure. I met 20 or 30 of them in my constituency and they are devastated by the crop's failure. Those farmers should be compensated by receiving the funds they were promised. I would appreciate it if the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources could take that matter on board. I know the scheme was launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, but the Minister present, Deputy Eamon Ryan, also has a role to play in this regard. He should ensure that while people should be encouraged to get involved in pilot schemes, they need to be compensated if such schemes fail.

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