Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I would like to assure Deputy Ferris that the Grid Link project has nothing to do with the export project. Grid Link is not being built to facilitate any traded sector that may emerge in the future.

I have listened carefully to the points made by Members from both sides during this debate and previous debates and to the concerns raised by the Oireachtas committee in the past two days and previously. It is clear the concerns articulated need to be addressed in a calm and collected manner and without circumventing the statutory framework processes already in place or interfering in any way with the role of the Energy Regulator or of An Bord Pleanála.

Yesterday, the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, made clear that EirGrid must, in the context of the existing framework, undertake and communicate a well informed and authoritative analysis, a thorough impact assessment and engage in pre-planning consultation in arriving at optimal routes, technology choices, design and costings. In addition, EirGrid must address and avoid, where possible, any human, environmental or landscape impact in delivering the best possible engineering solutions for our small and still isolated electricity system. It is important to re-articulate this, so that there is general understanding that EirGrid as the transmission system operator, with a statutory responsibility to discharge its functions responsibly, has confirmed that it recognises the emergence of several priority themes which are causing most concern in relation to the grid projects. EirGrid will reflect on these issues and, in the context of the extended Grid Link consultation deadline, revert with its considered views on how best to carry forward these projects, based on its mature examination of points of concern, and will outline to the affected communities its further thoughts and views.

The Minister confirmed last night that he will respond on behalf of the Government to the issues raised, after the close of the current consultation. EirGrid has also confirmed that it will update the Oireachtas through re-engaging with the committee early in the new year. In the meantime, EirGrid must be given the time and space to reflect properly over the next few weeks and give due consideration to all the points made, so as to minimise the potential impacts highlighted in many of the comments made to date. I repeat my colleague's encouragement to citizens and public representatives to make their input into the extended consultation process to enable EirGrid to capture all the concerns expressed in various fora. The consultation process is there for a purpose and must be allowed take its normal course.

I can only repeat previous reassurances that the importance of independent, impartial and objective analysis will not be lost sight of following completion of public consultation and there is no intention on the part of the Minister or myself to prejudge any issue. EirGrid has indicated it retains an open mind within the constraints of its obligation to deliver a safe, secure and affordable electricity supply for the benefit of energy consumers, having regard to the environment and a duty to produce least cost, most efficient, project specific technical solutions for transmission grid development.

Public confidence and access to information are key to implementation of the Grid25 programme and our focus, together with that of EirGrid, will be to offer the necessary level of reassurance to local communities in identifying a robust set of next steps which takes due account of valid concerns. Improved articulation of complex, technical and engineering issues must form an inevitable part of that consideration. The ultimate aim is to ensure that Ireland has a fit for purpose grid system suitably responsive to growing demand as economic conditions improve and sufficiently secure to attract inward investment. It will be necessary to take a long term perspective in all of the grid projects and to demonstrate that whole of lifecycle costs are being factored into project decisions.

We must, however, recognise that there is a sense of urgency in keeping the programme on track so as to prevent shortcomings in the system if there is undue delay caused to those elements of the programme which are already well advanced, for example, the North-South line, which is due to proceed to the planning process in the coming months. We welcome the opportunity to hold a debate on the critical points of concern on the Grid25 programme and its attendant projects. This debate has been a valuable exercise and I assure the House that all lessons learned will be factored into the project processes.

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