Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Electricity transmission and distribution networks are a vital element of public infrastructure and that is why the Government is committed to retaining the network in public ownership. Part of the commitment involves ensuring the infrastructure is properly maintained and developed and it is its development that is at the heart of the debate. We all recognise that in order to ensure a secure and safe supply of electricity ongoing investment must be made in the national grid. Electricity is a key element in helping the Government to achieve its aim of using 40% of renewable energy by 2020 and achieving a constant reduction in dependence on imported fossil fuels. Transmission infrastructure has been identified as being of strategic importance but people - families and communities – are paramount when it comes to putting any piece of infrastructure in place. Careful consideration must be given to its siting and the impact it will have on communities, not just now but for many decades to come. Public consultation is vital and must not be a token exercise. I call on EirGrid to engage fully with the communities that will be affected by the decision.

Too often to date, alternative solutions were not properly investigated because companies were too focused on the additional cost that would result from alternatives. It has been estimated that putting cables underground would cost three times the overground method. I query such costs. Has the option of running electricity cables adjacent to motorways been properly investigated? Surely, with Government backing, the land necessary for that would be much cheaper than the running of lines through private land and the building of pylons all over the country. Would the maintenance of such lines also prove to be more cost effective?

Community life is a cornerstone of Irish life and we cannot on the one hand promote involvement in communal activities and community life if we do not balance it by taking proper cognisance of the fears and worries of local communities where such fears are expressed. Consultation with local communities must be of paramount importance in terms of updating our national electricity transmission infrastructure.

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