Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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1163. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the meeting with officials of his Department and EirGrid to discuss the proposal by the company to commence work on an electricity substation at Coolnabacca, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15461/18]

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1191. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he plans to take to address issues highlighted on 18 January 2018 by a group (details supplied) in relation to EirGrid's governance and behaviour and the Laois-Kilkenny reinforcement project. [16145/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1163 and 1191 together.

At the meeting referred to which I attended with officials along with my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, the Ratheniska, Timahoe, Spink and Surrounding Areas Substation Action Group outlined aspects of the project with which they were dissatisfied. These aspects covered issues of concern from the origins of the project in 2009 to the present day. I listened carefully to the many views expressed and I undertook to further consider the issues raised.

The Laois-Kilkenny electricity project is to improve the security of electricity supply across counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare and Laois. It is a €110 million investment in the area designed to ensure that the electricity network can meet the present and future needs of all users, from homes to farms and small businesses to industrial customers. The project was granted planning permission in 2014 by An Bord Pleanála. That decision was subject to Judicial Review proceedings which were dismissed in January 2015.

Since the meeting my officials have engaged with EirGrid and other parties in an effort to explore the issues raised. I am now examining the report that has been completed and I will be happy to brief the Deputies in due course.