John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's answer, in particular the fact that the review is to be published in early 2015. A lot has happened since 2008. There is an interesting paragraph in the Minister's response where he speaks of the ESB and Eirgrid working closely together, as one would assume they would. The point of raising this issue is that the ESB, in its submission, clearly pointed out that the demand increases projected in 2008 will not materialise.

I hope and fully expect that Eirgrid's review, to be published early next year, would take into account that demand will not be what was expected in 2008. Therefore, in particular for Grid Link and Grid West, demand does not exist at present. People in those communities who are directly affected have a legitimate expectation that their views will be heard. Those views are being echoed by the ESB in its submission and we hope that will be reflected in the final report next year.

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