Representatives of Community Groups and Industry Representatives to be invited before Oireachtas Committee to debate Gridlink Project – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy and Vice-Chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications Paudie Coffey has received agreement from the Committee to his proposal to invite regional representatives of community groups who have concerns about the proposed Gridlink projects around the country. Deputy Coffey said this would give people an opportunity to publically voice their concerns at the highest level and would help to inform debate on the matter.

“The proposed Gridlink projects around the country are causing great concern in many local communities around Ireland. In my own constituency there are real concerns in mid and west county Waterford with the proposed routes of the Gridlink25 project. These concerns include the potential impact on the environment, the impact on land values, the impact on health and the impact on communities.

“Where new transmission lines are required I believe that Eirgrid must in the first instance look to upgrade the current infrastructure that they have in place as per their own guidelines. There are existing pylons along proposed routes in Waterford Eirgrid should look to these for upgrading before any new infrastructure is considered.

“I am opposed to the construction of new pylons in areas of scenic beauty like the Comeragh Mountains and the Blackwater Valley. I believe that Eirgrid must carry out a cost benefit analysis of under-grounding cables along the N25 route that traverses the entire of County Waterford; this National Road provides a direct route on a publically accessible road network that could solve the problem and address people’s concerns.

“I look forward to hearing from representatives of Community Groups from around the country that will inform debate on these proposed projects. I am also pleased that the Joint Oireachtas Committee agreed to my suggestion that representatives from Eirgrid and officials from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources would attend the Committee at a future date and be given the opportunity to address public concern and give factual response to the issue raised. It is only by transparent public debate that genuine concerns can be clarified in the interest of communities affected and also in the wider public interest.”