Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In 2006, as the Minister is well aware, EirGrid was formed. It forecast at that time that there would be an increase in energy demand in Ireland up to 2024 of 60%. When the former Minister, Eamonn Ryan, launched EirGrid's Grid 25 project in 2008 the forecast was reduced to 45%, but still suggested a 45% rise in demand for energy prices up to 2024.

This year in its submission to the Green Paper and review on energy policy, the ESB, using Eirgrid's latest demand projections, suggested only a 5% increase between now and 2024. In its submission ESB confirmed that the capital cost of the infrastructure build in any year will be recovered from the electricity bills for up to 50 years. Infrastructure must be planned well in advance so that it will be in place when it is needed. However, the ESB stated it must be delivered no sooner than needed or it will act as a drag on electricity prices.

There are two key stakeholders. The first comprises communities throughout the country. The Minister is aware of their concern. They are in the root corridor of the proposed Grid Link and Grid West project and have grave concerns about pylons and high voltage tension lines being in their areas. The other is those who will pay electricity bills, business and residential customers alike, for the next 50 years. We have to be absolutely sure that any suggestion that the proposed level of demand is not needed is thoroughly investigated.

Our economic landscape has changed utterly since 2008. Having bourne that in mind, what assurances have the Minister's Department received from EirGrid as to the necessity of this project? What communication has the Department had with the ESB regarding Grid 25 plans? Prior to 2006 and the formation of EirGrid, it was the job of the ESB to decide whether to build more pylons. It now says we probably do not need Grid Link or more lines.

The ESB submission highlights that as Grid Link and Grid West was planned nearly seven years ago there is a need to review them in order that research reflects the latest evidence. That request from the national energy company cannot be ignored.

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