Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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21. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are plans for a full audit of the Grid Link project to measure demand on the grid relative to the carrying capacity of the existing and decommissioned lines; if he will demonstrate the need for the proposed lines, as requested by Wexford County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47326/14]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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The Grid Link project will facilitate the integration of renewable energy onto the transmission system, reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels and facilitate further electricity interconnection with the European grid, providing a more secure electricity system. It will also provide a platform for job creation in the south and east of Ireland. EirGrid estimates that, if left unchecked, the existing grid in the south and east of Ireland would not be sufficient to meet our future electricity needs, thus jeopardising electricity supply to the area.

In January 2014, an Independent Expert Panel was established to examine the Grid West and Grid Link projects. The Panel 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 projects. The studies and reports are to include assessments of potential environmental impacts, technical efficacy and cost factors. The terms of reference for the studies are available on the Department’s website.

EirGrid will either undertake or commission the necessary work in accordance with the terms of reference. In due course, the Panel will provide an opinion to the Minister on the completeness, objectivity and comparability of the studies and reports and will oversee their publication by EirGrid prior to the company proceeding to public consultation on the two projects. The Panel expects to be in a position to provide an opinion to the Minister on the Grid West project in Quarter 1 2015 and one on the Grid Link project in Quarter 3 2015.

In relation to forecasting future energy needs, EirGrid carries out regular assessments based on projected population and projected requirements of business, as well as Government and EU policy. A further review of the Grid25 Strategy is now underway by EirGrid, with the outcome expected early in 2015.

The Minister welcomes the publication by EirGrid last week of its report on reviewing and improving its consultation process in respect of all Grid projects, including GridLink. He also welcomes and acknowledges the commitments made by EirGrid to improve its consultation processes and its relationships with communities generally.