Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The planning and development of the transmission grid is the responsibility of EirGrid as the State owned transmission company. I have no function in the matter. EirGrid advises that it is progressing plans for transmission network development in Mayo in line with regional development and renewable energy needs. Grid West, as a key project under GRID 25, will significantly increase the link from Mayo to the East coast to cater for those changing demands of the electricity market. Power on this infrastructure will flow in both directions thus facilitating renewable energy generation as well as investments by foreign direct investment and indigenous enterprises requiring secure and stable supply of power.

Environmental impact assessment, technical solutions and route identification will be getting under way in 2012. A major and complex project of this nature has a long time frame to provide for wide ranging public consultation and to complete all necessary assessments, including a planning application to An Bord Pleanála. Assuming no significant delays in the planning or consultation processes and allowing for necessary build time, EirGrid expects to see good progress on this development over the coming years although full completion may not be achieved until 2019. To deliver the necessary infrastructure in the West of Ireland, EirGrid requires the support of industry, local communities, public representatives and stakeholders to build the network that will facilitate energy generation and economic opportunities in Mayo.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The planning, development and routing of transmission line infrastructure is a matter for EirGrid, the State owned body responsible for the electricity transmission system. I have no statutory function regarding the planning and construction of energy networks.