Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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575. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the independent expert panel considering EirGrid’s Grid West and Grid Link projects current brief; their work to date; the appointment of external advisors; the proposed completion date; if the panel's remit will be expanded to cover the need for Grid 25; if he will examine the relationship between Grid 25 and interconnection with Europe and ensure joined-up thinking is applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46288/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Independent Expert Panel, established in January to examine the Grid West and Grid Link projects, has met on several occasions since then to consider and approve the terms of reference for comprehensive, route-specific studies and reports of fully undergrounded and overhead options for each of the Grid West and Grid Link projects. The studies and reports are required to include assessments of potential environmental impacts, technical efficacy and cost factors. The terms of reference for the work to be carried out were published in May 2014 and are available on my Department's website. EirGrid will either undertake or commission the necessary work in accordance with those terms of reference set by the Panel. In due course, the Panel will provide an opinion to me on the completeness, objectivity and comparability of the studies and reports and will oversee the publication by EirGrid of the two reports prior to EirGrid proceeding to public consultation on the two projects. The Panel expects to be in a position to provide an opinion to me on the Grid West project in Quarter 1 2015. An opinion on the Grid Link project is expected in Quarter 3 2015.

As a matter of course, EirGrid regularly reviews its strategies and projects. Grid25 was originally developed in 2008 when the macro-economic climate was very different. In line with EirGrid’s review policy, Grid25 was updated in 2011, when the scale and scope was reduced to reflect the change in circumstances. As a result the estimated cost was revised downwards from €4 billion to €3.2 billion.

In May this year, EirGrid initiated a further update of Grid25 to take into account the most up-to-date information available, including technical feasibility, future economic and demand projections, and environmental impacts. Following discussions with my Department, this update also includes an independent review to verify the original strategies of Grid25 on the basis of changing circumstances since 2008. EirGrid expects this review to be completed and published early in 2015.

EirGrid's Grid25 Plan includes provision for facilitating increased interconnection to other EU Member States, providing for both imports and exports of electricity as appropriate. This is in line with the European Union’s goal of a fully integrated Internal Energy Market. The 500MW East-West Interconnector with the UK has already been completed, and other possible options are being considered.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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576. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the ESRI Green Paper submission and uncompensated losses; if he will clarify EirGrid's failure to respond to submissions made as part of the third round of public consultation which took place in 2013 and quality of responses issued to date; the understanding on ESB's Green Paper submission; if there will be a review of EirGrid's proposed proximity allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46291/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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EirGrid’s public consultation process in relation to Grid Link is a matter for the company and not one in which I, as Minister, have a role or function. However, I have been advised by EirGrid that submissions for the third round of public consultation for the Grid Link project closed on January 7, 2014. Over 38,000 submissions were received, and each one has been considered individually. I understand there are a small number of submissions still under consideration due to the very technical information required to respond adequately to them. The nature of the submissions encompassed a wide range of topics including agriculture, human and animal health, visual impact, community gain, proximity to dwellings, schools and community facilities, and environmental factors. More information is available on EirGrid’s website at the following address:

The ESRI and ESB submissions were two of over 1,240 responses received to the public consultation on the Energy Policy Green Paper. Insofar as the ESB submission is concerned, it is worth noting that ESB has welcomed the continuing review of EirGrid’s Grid25 Strategy and its ongoing reflection on future grid investment priorities. Both EirGrid and ESB agree that a medium to long-term perspective is necessary in relation to building grid infrastructure, and that Grid25 is required to both facilitate future electricity demand and support balanced regional development. Both companies also acknowledge the need for the rollout of electricity networks to address citizen and community concerns, and to accommodate evolving European energy policy, including in relation to renewable energy. ESB fully supports the EU 2020 target of 16% renewable energy, which entails having 40% of electricity generated from renewable sources. It is important to note that my Department, ESB and EirGrid are all in agreement on the appropriateness and prudence of the 40% target, which is based on solid scientific and engineering evidence.

The question of Proximity Payments is also a matter for EirGrid. However, the July 2012 "Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure" underlined the appropriateness of incorporating community gain considerations into major infrastructure projects. In recognition of the potential impact of transmission infrastructure, EirGrid responded in January 2014 with proposals regarding a community gain mechanism which are set on EirGrid's website at