Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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564. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the lack of compliance with the planning conditions in the infrastructure agreement between EirGrid and the ESB regarding the North-South interconnector; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the ESB has taken over the independent function of EirGrid, which is unauthorised in accordance with SI 445 of 2000; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that EirGrid did not submit the 584 access routes for planning approval; his views on whether it is appropriate that landowners will not be informed of access to their lands until construction is ready to be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6242/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The issue of planning is a matter between the developer and the relevant consenting authority. As Minister, I have no function in the matter. I understand that in the planning process leading up to An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant planning consent for the project, the issue of access routes was just one of the issues comprehensively examined.

A key aim of the Third Energy Market Package was to ensure effective unbundling of generation and supply activities from the operation of electricity networks and transmission systems. The rules on unbundling are aimed at ensuring the independence of the transmission system operator, ultimately to facilitate greater electricity market competition.

EirGrid is a semi-state company whose job as the national transmission system operator is to plan the development of and operate the electricity grid, and to ensure its maintenance. ESB, as owner of the transmission system, carries out construction and maintenance tasks in accordance with EirGrid’s specifications, maintenance programme and Development Plan.

There is an integrated delivery model in Ireland for the planning, development and operation of electricity transmission infrastructure which was developed in accordance with EU “unbundling” rules. An agreement known as the Infrastructure Agreementwas entered into between EirGrid and ESB to govern the ongoing relationship between the two organisations.

It is my understanding that under this model EirGrid was responsible for obtaining planning permission for the North South Interconnector and it then became ESB’s responsibility, as asset owner, to construct the line in accordance with EirGrid’s request and specifications.