Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Development of the high voltage electricity grid as planned in EirGrid's GRID25 strategy is critical to our long-term economic recovery. Energy policy has a pivotal role to play in creating the conditions for an economic recovery and for the job creation we need. We all require access to an affordable and dependable energy supply and the businesses that sell goods and services and provide quality employment need a reliable energy supply that enables them to compete. Ensuring secure, reliable and safe supplies of electricity, gas and oil is critical to Ireland's ability to attract inward investment and retain and create jobs.

EirGrid's GRID25 national programme, and specifically the Grid Link infrastructure project, is vital for future socioeconomic progress in Ireland. The Grid Link project is a key initiative under GRID25 and the project consists of a new 400 kV overhead power line linking Leinster and Munster. Without this project, the grid in the south and east of Ireland would not be sufficient to meet the region's future electricity needs. The project will facilitate both conventional generation and renewable energy projects, reinforce the grid in Leinster and Munster, and support future interconnection with grids outside of Ireland. It is a significant upgrade of the electricity grid across the south and east and is the largest project under the GRID25 programme.

The Grid Link project will help enable a secure supply of electricity for the region well into the future. It will empower growth in the south and east of Ireland and involve an estimated €500 million investment. It will also enable Ireland to meet its 40% renewable target and reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels. The Government wants to be able to give a strong consistent message to Irish business and multinationals, and our citizens, that Ireland's electricity networks are robust, modern and safe. This project is part of EirGrid's programme and is a practical illustration of our collective and continuing commitment to large-scale investment in electricity infrastructure.

Currently the EirGrid project team is undertaking detailed analysis of the study area to identify the best possible corridors for development. As part of this process, on 3 September EirGrid published the stage 1 report on the grid link project identifying a number of route corridor options for the new 400kV power line. The publication of that report coincided with the beginning of a 12-week public consultation period.

In the Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure of July 2012, the imperative for the State companies and all developers of energy projects of early, transparent engagement and consultation with local communities and stakeholders was emphasised. EirGrid is committed to public consultation and it has engaged in a comprehensive process in regard to the grid link project, which has involved opening five regional information centres, a lo-call project information telephone line and local radio advertising, backed up by national and local print advertising. The company will take on board information and views on the project, which is still at an early stage. The identification of route corridor options is a key opportunity for public input, as no decisions have been made regarding the final route of this electricity line.