John Whelan (Labour)

Through the good offices of the Leader of the House, I call on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to attend the House to set out his policy on Grid25 and the development of an energy supply network throughout the country. There is a great deficit in the provision of a power supply along the eastern seaboard, especially in the south east. It requires the roll-out of a cobweb of high voltage power lines, pylons and sub-stations throughout the country from the west. The problem will be accentuated with the development of windfarms, wave power projects and renewables along the west coast. In a previous life I took the view that this was best and the right thing to do. I also protested against the construction of a nuclear power station at Carnsore in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, there are now communities throughout the country concerned about the construction by EirGrid of electricity sub-stations, pylons and power lines. The policy is being rolled out in an off-hand, dismissive and cavalier fashion and leading to fear, anxiety and tension between farmers, families and neighbours. It is also leading to gross misinformation at public meetings. It would be helpful, therefore, to clear the air if the Minister set out the position on planning and compulsory purchase orders with regard to the provision of such strategic infrastructure. The Ratheniska Action Group has been formed in my community. I do not defend the NIMBY - not in my backyard - syndrome for one second because we must move past it, but neither are the people concerned bananas. They are not from the brigade that would not build anything anywhere at anytime. It would be helpful if EirGrid was instructed by the Minister to engage in meaningful and transparent discussions in a fair-minded manner and not dismiss the genuine fears and concerns of communities.