Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In January 2014, an independent expert panel was established to oversee the integrity of the process being undertaken by EirGrid to report on comprehensive, route-specific studies of overhead and underground options for both the Grid Link and Grid West projects. While the North-South transmission line project is outside the panel's terms of reference, the panel did agree, on foot of a request by my predecessor, to provide an opinion on the compatibility of the methodologies employed on the Grid West and Grid Link projects with what had already been done on the North-South project up to and including 2 May 2014, being the date that the panel decided to examine the North-South project. Having considered and discussed all of the material, the panel issued a statement on 1 July 2014, indicating its unanimous opinion that, in all material respects, what had already been done on the North-South project is compatible with the methodologies being employed on the Grid West and Grid Link projects.

On 27 March last, EirGrid published a discussion paper regarding its new independently peer-reviewed draft development strategy which seeks to achieve an optimal balance between the competing demands of publicly consulting on necessary network development, choosing the best emerging technology options for that development and minimising new build. The draft development strategy found that there remains a clear need for the North-South transmission line and that the existing proposal for a 400 kV overhead line remains the most appropriate solution for the project. I understand that EirGrid lodged the planning application for the project with An Bord Pleanála on 9 June. Accordingly, I do not intend to comment further on the details of that application while the planning process takes its course.

Following submission of any final application to An Bord Pleanála in respect of the EirGrid projects, a further consultative process will be open to interested parties. Section 182A of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides for the making of submissions regarding an application for consent with respect to a development comprising electricity transmission infrastructure. A timeframe of not less than six weeks of public consultation is provided for under the section.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

I understand that in relation to the North-South project, submissions or observations in respect of the application for planning approval may be made to An Bord Pleanála during the ten-week period of statutory public consultation which will commence today.

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