Cllr fumes over Eirgrid ‘polish job’

A local county councillor has demanded that a representative of Eirgrid explain a statement released to the media following an engagement with local councillors last month.

Fianna Fáil’s Clifford Kelly described the statement as a “polish job”, bearing little resemblance to the talking to given to the energy company officials by Cavan’s elected members when they met.

[Copies of the this newspaper's report from the relevant council meeting and Eirgrid's subsequent press release are included at the bottom of this story.]

Eirgrid met public representatives in counties Cavan and Monaghan, and said it had explained to both that putting the power lines underground is “not technically feasible”.

The North South Interconnector would see 401 pylons carry a 138 kilometre electricity line connecting grids in Ireland and Northern Ireland through Cavan, Monaghan, Meath, Armagh and Tyrone.

The plans have been met with local opposition since they first emerged, and CEO Mark Foley briefed county councillors and on how the project is set to move into construction phase.

A compensation package is currently being prepared for landowners affected, along with a community benefit scheme, and Eirgrid said it told the meetings it is prepared to fully engage with landowners, local communities and other stakeholders.

Cllr Kelly though expressed shock upon reading the company’s statement in the wake of the meetings held, and stated that it did not align with “what took place”.

“It's Eirgrid up to their old tricks,” stated Cllr Kelly, who went on to ask that the semi-State energy provider provide a “true account” and “not what they think took place”.

Cllr Kelly said that “clear discrepancies” exist.

Addressing the concerns, director of service Eoin Doyle said that Cllr Kelly would need to be “specific” and “identify what discrepancies” there are between both accounts.

Once identified, these would be forwarded to Eirgrid and a response sought.

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The Celt's report from the original council debate

We need this ‘to make sure the lights don’t go out’- Eirgrid boss

Here, meanwhile, is Eirgrid's statement in full following the meeting:

EirGrid Briefs Cavan & Monaghan Councillors on North South Interconnector

Dublin, May 8th – EirGrid chief executive Mark Foley today briefed councillors from Monaghan and Cavan on developments regarding the North South Interconnector.

Mr Foley spoke at separate council meetings in two counties through which the interconnector will be built, before it crosses the border into Armagh and on to Tyrone.

M. Foley told the councillors that following the publication of the Government review in March, the project would now move into its construction phase.

This review accepted the findings of previous reports, including the 2018 Expert Commission, that indicated that the North South Interconnector should proceed as planned as an overhead line. The project has full planning permission in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Speaking before the Councils, Mr. Foley said,

“The North South Interconnector is critical for the security of electricity supply across the island of Ireland; to support social and economic growth in the Northeast region; and enable Ireland to reach its renewable energy targets and supports the reduction in carbon emissions. The interconnector will also drive down overall costs to the end consumer.”

Speaking about the construction of the project, Mr. Foley said,

“Each transmission project is unique with specific needs that must be addressed. For each of EirGrid’s projects we assess the technology options, with the needs in mind during the project development. Where it is feasible to do so we will endeavour to underground projects. The North South Interconnector cannot be placed underground as it is not technically feasible to do so. It carries too much power, over too long a distance and the infrastructure is far too critical.”

“Given the importance of this project, it is essential that was progress it now without any further delay.”

EirGrid’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, Michael Mahon attended the meeting with Mr. Foley. Speaking to councillors, Mr. Mahon said,

“We will fully engage with landowners, local communities and stakeholders along the route as we proceed with the project. All landowners who host the infrastructure will be compensated. The development of a comprehensive and fair compensation scheme for landowners hosting the infrastructure is being prioritised. This project is a piece of critical infrastructure and EirGrid and the ESB will be using all mechanisms at our disposal to ensure delivery.”“In common with other projects across the country, EirGrid will also establish a community forum and community benefit scheme for the North South Interconnector. The forum will bring together people and organisations from across the project area so that stakeholder and community views can be discussed and properly considered to ensure that the community benefit criteria is designed for the community, by the community.”

Mr Foley said that EirGrid will liaise closely with its counterpart SONI in Northern Ireland and ESB Networks, which will build the Irish portion of the project and is responsible for managing procurement for the project on an all-island basis.