Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The first point concerns how the new EirGrid draft strategy will fit with the work of the expert panel. The review identifies three potential options for Grid Link and four possible solutions for Grid West. It is a draft document for public consultation and, as I said, there are three potential options for Grid Link, one of which the Senator regards as preferable. The consultation process can facilitate that response. EirGrid will continue its evaluation of the options with a view to making a submission to the independent expert panel. It will be required to and will balance the wider economic, environmental and technical considerations and, most importantly, the views of industry, policy makers and the people to find the best outcomes. On foot of its consideration of EirGrid's submission, the independent expert panel will submit a report to me which, to reassure the Senator, will be followed by a further round of public consultations. There is evidence that EirGrid has much improved its engagement with communities and the public and in a recent report it recognised some shortcomings in that aspect of its work in recent years. It has taken significant and commendable steps to address the issue. I would be upset if individuals who engaged with it were not satisfied with the responses received or received inconsistent responses. I would like that issue to be addressed and I am sure it will be.

In terms of the exports initiative, I would not describe it as dead in the water or complete history, the term used by the Senator. The project will not go ahead and I do not believe there is any prospect of a similar project going ahead in the near to mid-term but, looking to 2020 and beyond, there are possibilities and potential for the future. Even if there is no potential for exports, we still need to continue to make progress and up our game in the renewables sector. Onshore wind energy projects will be one aspect but not the only one. The necessity to increase the use of renewables and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels will continue, but we should do so in a prudent way and only build infrastructure when it is necessary do so. I agree with the Senator on that point and EirGrid has made an assessment of what is necessary. Let us not build infrastructure unless it is absolutely required and let us have regard to the needs, wishes and views of communities. Both imperatives are reflected in its recent report, for which it is to be commended. This was reflected in my discussions with it in recent months.