Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a very specific question on access and am seeking a specific answer. The Minister mentioned the ruling of An Bord Pleanála of 21 December 2016. As he is aware, that ruling only gave permission for construction, not access. As outlined in recent High Court cases, EirGrid did not seek access and, consequently, does not have it.

The Minister also mentioned the oral hearing of 11 weeks, during which it changed over 500 access routes. EirGrid has no right to enter the land. It did not seek it; it has not been given it and does not have landowner consent. It does not have a statutory right; that right rests with the ESB. Crucially, the Minister has said he has no function in the process. Will he promise that he will not introduce emergency powers to give EirGrid the power to access the land which landowners have said it will not be given?

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