Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty of wind projects in securing grid connection from the ESB; the proposals which he has to address this matter; the discussions which he has had with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to ensure that provision for such connections is contained within any planning approvals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9766/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is statutorily responsible for grid connections, in conjunction with EirGrid and ESB Networks.

The 'Gate' process which deals with renewable generators seeking grid connections was put in place by the CER following public consultation. The process takes a grouped approach to determination and issuance of grid connections offers to renewable generators.

Under the 'Gate' process, applications for connections are therefore processed in batches rather than sequentially. Within these gates, applications are further divided into groups and sub-groups based on the optimal network in the area required to connect them.

The group processing approach allows for a strategic view to be taken of network requirements and the development of efficient connection solutions to cater for large number of applications and to ensure optimum network development, minimising network costs and, where possible, avoidance of network bottlenecks.

Planning matters and conditions relating to the awarding of planning permissions are a matter for the local authorities and An Bord Pleanála as appropriate. My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has overall responsibility for planning policy. My Department liaises closely with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government on relevant matters of mutual interest in the planning and development of renewable energy projects.