Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle and the Minister for taking this Topical Issue. I ask the Minister to report to the House on the progress made on an inter-governmental agreement that will be necessary to allow for the development of trade in green energy with Great Britain and-or the European mainland. Such an agreement must be put in place to ensure that this project can proceed.

Given media reports and various comments made in the House of Commons, it seems that there are widely differing views on the issue of energy generation in the United Kingdom including support for fracking, nuclear energy as well as possible agreements with other EU countries, such as France. In that context, how realistic is it to believe that we will reach an agreement with the United Kingdom on this matter? Are negotiations still progressing and if so, at what pace? Are there deadlines to be met in this regard and if so, what are they? Are the negotiations dependent on what is happening here? There are meetings taking place all over the country regarding both EirGrid and the development of wind farms. People are calling for a review of the planning guidelines, variations to county development plans and so forth. They are asking when planning applications will be submitted.

Other than the normal planning procedures, as outlined by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, will public consultations take place regarding new wind farms? Will they be subject to environmental impact assessments? Can the Minister confirm that such developments will be in full compliance with the Aarhus Convention? Plans are afoot to develop ten wind farms here, 20 there, another five down the road and communities are absolutely terrified of what is going on. I ask the Minister to confirm that wind farm projects which will develop energy for export will be confined to State-owned lands, either those belonging to Coillte or Bord na Móna. If we could have that assurance, it would alleviate some of the concerns of so many local communities. Bord na Móna announced its proposals recently and referred to having a partner to develop those proposals. Immediately, concerns were raised regarding who the potential partners might be and how they might be selected. If agencies such as Coillte and Bord na Móna are involved in such projects, will cost-benefit analyses and environmental impact assessments be carried out?

Are there any EU directives governing such projects? Is there any EU funding available to advance them and if so, is it the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources which would apply for such funding? Would such funding be dependent on adhering to planning regulations determined by the EU or would An Bord Pleanála be the relevant authority in that regard?

Media reports about companies interested in developing such projects have referred to the cabling being placed underground. Is this the case? Would such cabling be provided by the suppliers, that is, the wind farms, direct to the United Kingdom or would substations such as Dunnestown in Kilcullen be used? What part does the EirGrid Grid 25 project have to play in all of this? We are continuously being told that it has no part to play but reports consistently state that EirGrid was established because of these wind farm proposals. What is the truth in this case? I hope the Minister will report to the House on the role of EirGrid in this regard. I also ask him to update us on the review body to be chaired by Ms Justice Catherine McGuinness. Will the Minister also explain the difference between the wind farm export project and interconnectivity? Does interconnectivity only refer to connection to mainland Europe and if so, are there any proposals in this regard?

The Minister is aware of the concerns raised by many Deputies and the many groups he has met right across the country. A total of 35,000 submissions were made to EirGrid and as many again will be made if submissions are sought on wind farms. The concerns being raised relate to the protection of communities, the environment, family homes and local industry. There is a huge problem in my area and the bloodstock industry is tormented and annoyed by the proposals. Its representatives came to the House last week to meet with my colleague, Deputy Stagg, and we have been to many meetings in the constituency. The points I raise have been made at the countless meetings that take place. I urge the Minister to respond to the questions asked and to shed some light on the issues raised.

See this speech in context