EIRGRID PLAN FOR N/S INTERCONNECTOR WOULD AFFECT 42 TOWNLANDS IN COUNTY MONAGHAN 

Michael Fisher  Northern Standard  Thursday 18th June p.10

(A copy of my article in this week’s newspaper. I expect that reaction will be published next week and in the coming months.)

The electricity supplier EirGrid has published its controversial plan for a new North/South interconnector, submitted last week to An Bord Pleanála in Dublin. A sum of €100,000 was lodged by the company with the planning Board. EirGrid and its northern counterpart System Operator for Northern Ireland want to build 401 new pylons carrying an overhead 400kV supply line across five counties including Monaghan, Cavan and Meath. 109 of the towers would be erected in Monaghan. Part of the application refers to a plan to operate a temporary yeard for the storage of construction materials at Monaltyduff and Monaltybane outside Carrickmacross near the N2 by-pass.

The power line from Woodland near Batterstown in County Meath to Turleenan near Dungannon in County Tyrone and passing across the border at Lemgare near Clontibret into County Armagh would be one of the biggest infrastructure developments on the island and so it was designated a Project of Common Interest by the European Commission. Such projects are deemed necessary for EU energy policy and are allocated the status of the highest national significance.

Public Consultation

There is now a ten weeks period of statutory public consultation, running until Monday August 24th. The full application documentation, including the Environmental Impact Statement and Natura Impact Statement is available online at http://www.eirgridnorthsouthinterconnector.ie

Hard copies are also available at a number of venues, including the offices of Monaghan County Council and Eirgrid’s local Project Information Centre at the Workhouse, Shercock Road in Carrickmacross, which is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 12 noon to 6pm.

 Submissions

Submissions and/or observations in relation to the EirGrid application can be made only to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, from Tuesday 16th June until Monday 24th August, accompanied by the statutory fee of €50. 

This is an edited version of the EirGrid application form to An Bord Pleanála.

Application Form for Permission/Approval in respect of a Strategic Infrastructure Development 

Please specify the statutory provision under which your application is being made:

Section 182A of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended)

2. Applicant:

Name of Applicant:  EirGrid plc, with the consent and approval of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB)  Address:  EirGrid plc, The Oval, 160 Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Telephone No:  + 353 (1) 2370000

Email Address (if any): northsouth@eirgrid.com

3. Where Applicant is a company (registered under the companies Acts:

Name(s) of company director(s):

John O’Connor, Fintan Slye, Dr. Joan Smyth, Richard Sterling, Regina Moran, Dr. Gary Healy, Liam O’Halloran, Bride Rosney, Doireann Barry

4. Person / Agent acting on behalf of the Applicant (if any): 

Name: Leah Kenny, Operations Director

Address:  RPS Planning and Environment, West Pier Business Campus, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Telephone No. + 353 (1) 4882900

Email address (if any): info@rpsgroup.com   

Contact Name and Contact Details (Phone number) for arranging entry on site if required/appropriate:  Aidan Geoghegan (EirGrid Project Manager): + 353 (1)  2370000

  Person responsible for preparation of Drawings and Plans: 

CAVAN MONAGHAN STUDY AREA (CMSA) AND TEMPORARY 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL STORAGE YARD, CO. MONAGHAN 

Name: Robert Arthur, Project Leader

Firm/Company: ESBI Engineering & Facility Management Ltd.

Address: ESB International, Stephen Court, 18-21 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.  Telephone No: + 353 (1) 7038000  Email Address (if any): marketing@esbi.ie

Details all plans/drawings submitted – title of drawings/plans, scale and no. of copies submitted. This can be submitted as a separate schedule with the application form.

See Drawing Register in Schedule 1 attached to this Application Form. 

6. Site:  

Site Address/Location of the Proposed Development (as may best identify the land or structure in question)

(i) A new single circuit 400 kV overhead transmission line covering a distance of approximately 100.5km  across the following townlands in the counties of Monaghan, Cavan and Meath:

County Monaghan: Lemgare, Lisdrumgormly, Annaglogh, Latnakelly, Tassan, Cashel, Annagh (Cremorne Barony (By)), Carrickanure, Clarderry, Cornamucklagh North, Derryhallagh (Monaghan By), Drumroosk, Cargaghramer, Cornanure (Monaghan By),  Rausker, Terrygreeghan, Cornamucklagh South, Crinkill, Clogher, Drumguillew Lower, Drumhawan, Greagh (Cremorne By), Brackly (Cremorne By), Tullynahinnera,  Cooltrimegish, Boraghy, Aghmakerr, Drumillard (Cremorne By), Tooa, Tullyglass, Cornasassonagh, Corrinenty, Ummerafree, Sreenty, Ardragh, Corvally (Farney By), Raferagh, Cornalaragh, Doagh, Corlea (Electoral District Drumcarrow), Scalkill and  Ballaghnagearn. 

(ii)  Modifications are required to three existing 110 kV overhead lines in the following locations:

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Lisdrum–Louth 110 kV transmission line, in Drumroosk, County Monaghan.

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Louth-Rathrussan 110 kV transmission line, in Corrinenty and Corbane, County Monaghan.

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Arva-Navan 110 kV transmission line, in Diméin Bhaile Ghib (Gibstown Demesne and Tailtin (Teltown), County Meath.

(v)   An associated temporary construction material storage yard to be located in the townlands of Monaltyduff and Monaltybane, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.

A full description of the proposed development is provided at Item 9, below.

Ordnance Survey Map Ref No (and the Grid Reference where applicable)

Transmission Line: 

OSI Discovery Series 1:50,000:

 Monaghan: 2632, 2832, 2630, 2830, 2628, 2828.

OSI 1:10,560 (6”):

 Monaghan: 14, 15, 19, 20, 24, 27, 30, 33.

OSI 1: 2,500:

 Monaghan: 1159, 1160, 1220, 1221, 1219, 1285, 1286, 1354, 1355, 1423, 1424, 1490, 1557, 1624, 1625, 1694, 1695, 1763, 1764, 1766, 1824, 1825.

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications:   

OSI Discovery Series 1:50,000:

 Monaghan: OS2630, OS2632

OSI 1:10,560 (6”):

 Monaghan: 19, 24, 27

OSI 1: 2,500:

 Monaghan: 1219, 1220, 1286, 1285, 1625

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard:  (Carrickmacross)

Irish Grid Coordinates: E 286200, N 302169  ITM Coordinates E 686132, N 802180

Area of site to which the application relates in hectares:

The primary element of the proposed development is a linear transmission line.

The proposed transmission line (comprising both a new single circuit, and addition of a new circuit along the currently unused northern side of the existing Oldstreet to Woodland 400 kV transmission line) is approximately 103.35km in length.

The proposed development includes 2 No. site-specific elements:

 Woodland 400 kV Substation:   0.544ha

 Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard: 1.4ha

Site zoning in current Development Plan for the area:

Transmission Line:  None

Woodland 400 kV Substation:  None

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard:  None

Existing use of the site & proposed use of the site:

Transmission Line:

Existing Use:  Primarily Agriculture

Proposed Use: Agriculture and transmission infrastructure (agricultural practices can still be carried out under the line and the land on which the structures will be located will be used for transmission of electricity)

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications:    

Existing Use:                  Primarily Agriculture and transmission infrastructure

Proposed Use:               Primarily Agriculture and transmission infrastructure

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard:   

Existing Use:                 Agriculture

Proposed Use:              Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard

Name of the Planning Authority(s) in whose functional area the site is situated:

Monaghan County Council

7. Legal Interest of Applicant in respect of the site the subject of the application   

Please tick appropriate box to show applicant’s legal interest in the land or structure:

Owner /Occupier/ Other  x

Where legal interest is “Other”, please expand further on your interest in the land  or structure.

EirGrid plc is the licensed Transmission System Operator for Ireland pursuant to the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999.  Pursuant to the provisions of S.I. No 445/2000, EirGrid plc has the exclusive function to operate and ensure the maintenance of and, if necessary, develop a safe,secure, reliable, economical and efficient electricity transmission system.

The Electricity Supply Board is the licensed Transmission System Owner for Ireland pursuant to Section 14 of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999.

The proposed transmission infrastructure will be constructed by the Electricity Supply Board pursuant to statutory powers.

If you are not the legal owner, please state the name and address of the owner and supply a letter from the owner of consent to make the application as listed in the accompanying documentation.

The owner of the Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard to be located in the townlands of Monaltyduff and Monaltybane, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan is Mr. Peter Kelly, Dunanny, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.  A letter of consent and approval to the making of the application from Mr. Kelly is included in Schedule 2 attached to this Application Form.

Does the applicant own or have a beneficial interest in adjoining, abutting or adjacent lands.  If so, identify the lands and state the interest.

EirGrid plc, the applicant for approval, does not have a beneficial interest in adjoining, abutting or adjacent lands.

Site History 

Details regarding site history (if known):  

Has the site in question ever, to your knowledge, been flooded?

Transmission Line:   Yes:  [ ✓  ]     No: [    ]

Some localised flooding may have occurred in particular locations along the length of the line route.

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications:   Yes:  [ ✓  ]     No: [    ]

Some localised flooding may have occurred in particular locations along the length of the line route. 

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard:  Yes:    [   ]     No: [ ✓ ]

While EirGrid is not aware of any flooding on this site, historical geological data indicates that a turlough may have occurred on this site.  However, more recent and up-to-date information suggests the site is not a turlough.

If yes, please give details e.g. year, extent:

Are you aware of previous uses of the site e.g. dumping or quarrying?

Transmission Line:  Yes:  [   ]     No: [✓ ]

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications:   Yes:  [   ]     No: [✓ ]

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard:   Yes:    [  ✓ ]     No: [  ]

If yes, please give details: It is understood that this site was previously used as a  construction depot for the N2 Carrickmacross By-pass project

Are you aware of any valid planning applications previously made in respect of this land / structure?  

Transmission Line: Yes:  [✓  ]     No: [    ]

Existing 110 kV Overhead Lines Modifications: Yes:  [  ]     No: [  ✓ ]

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard:   Yes:    []     No: [  ✓ ]

If yes, please state planning register reference number(s) of same if known and details of applications                              See below.

Reg. Ref. No:                 Nature of Proposed Development 

Nature of Final Decision of Application Grant or Refusal by Planning Authority/An Bord Pleanála

Transmission Line 

VA0006 (An Bord Pleanála SI Reg Ref) The Meath-Tyrone 400 kV Interconnection Development.        Withdrawn

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard    

N/A N/A: however, it is understood that this site was previously used as a temporary storage site during the construction of the  N2 Carrickmacross By-pass and was subsequently restored to agricultural use               N/A

If a valid planning application has been made in respect of this land or structure in the 6 months prior to the submission of this application, then any required site notice must be on a yellow background in accordance with Article 19(4) of the Planning and Development regulations 2001 as amended.      Not Applicable

Is the site of the proposal subject to a current appeal to An Bord Pleanála in respect of a similar development?  Yes:  [   ]  No:[ ✓ ]

9. Description of the Proposed Development  

Brief description of nature and extent of development

The proposed North-South 400 kV Interconnection Development located in Counties  Monaghan, Cavan and Meath, which will be the subject of the application for approval, is approximately 103.35km long and consists of the following principal elements:

  (i)  A new single circuit 400 kV overhead transmission line (covering a distance of approximately 100.5km  in the counties of Monaghan, Cavan and Meath) extending in a generally southerly alignment from the jurisdictional border with Northern Ireland (between the townland of Doohat or Crossreagh, County Armagh, and the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan) to the townland of Bogganstown (Electoral District (ED) Culmullin), County Meath.  In addition the proposed transmission line crosses the jurisdictional border with Northern Ireland at two points –  from the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan into the townland of Crossbane, County Armagh and back into the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan.  This transmission line comprises 299 No. new lattice steel support structures (ranging in height from approximately 26m to 51m over ground level), with associated conductors, insulators, and other apparatus.

The proposed new transmission line extends across the following townlands of County Monaghan, County Cavan and County Meath:

County Monaghan: (see Section 6 – Site)

(ii)  Modifications are required to three existing 110 kV overhead lines.  The modifications comprise the insertion of additional polesets and / or replacement of existing structures with polesets of shorter height (ranging in height from approximately 11.5m to 19m over ground level) in the following locations:

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Lisdrum–Louth 110 kV transmission line, in Drumroosk, County Monaghan.

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Louth-Rathrussan 110 kV transmission line, in Corrinenty and Corbane, County Monaghan.

 The vicinity of where the proposed 400 kV overhead transmission line intersects with the Arva-Navan 110 kV transmission line, in Diméin Bhaile Ghib (Gibstown Demesne and Tailtin (Teltown), County Meath.

 (v)   An associated temporary construction material storage yard to be located in the townlands of Monaltyduff and Monaltybane, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, on a site of approximately 1.4ha, including associated site works, new site entrance onto the L4700 Local Road, associated 2.6m high boundary palisade fencing  (with noise barrier affixed) and associated ancillary staff facilities and parking.

(vi) All associated and ancillary development including works comprising or relating to permanent and temporary construction and excavation.   

NOTE: See Schedule 7 attached to this Application Form which outlines the heights of the existing and proposed towers. 

 11. Where the application relates to a building or buildings*: 

(*Note:  temporary staff accommodation is proposed for the construction compound site – precise details will be agreed with the planning authority)    

14. Where the application refers to a material change of use of any land or structure or the retention of such a material change of use: 

Existing use (or previous use where retention permission is sought)

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard – Existing use is agriculture.

Proposed use (or use it is proposed to retain)

Temporary Construction Material Yard – Proposed use is as a Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard.

Nature and extent of any such proposed use (or use it is proposed to retain).

See Description of Development  Item 9

15. Development Details  Please tick appropriate box:  If answer is yes please give details  YES/NO                                                   

Does the proposed development involve the demolition of a Protected Structure(s), in whole or in part?   NO

Does the proposed development consist of work to a protected structure and/or its curtilage or proposed protected structure and/or its curtilage?  NO

Note: The proposed development passes through the grounds of a number of protected structures that relate to associated demesne landscapes.

Does the proposed development consist of work to the exterior of a structure which is located within an architectural conservation area (ACA)?   No

Does the application relate to development which affects or is close to a monument or place recorded under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994.   Yes

The line route passes near a number of monuments or places recorded under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. (See Chapter 14, Volumes 3C and 3D of the EIS)

Does the application relate to work within or close to a European Site or a Natural Heritage Area? Yes

The proposed electricity transmission line will oversail two European sites (the River Boyne and Blackwater cSAC, and River Boyne and Blackwater SPA) in two locations; no towers are proposed to be constructed within these designated areas.  The closest tower (Tower 355) is at a distance of 6m from the River Boyne and Blackwater cSAC boundary.

Does the development require the preparation of a Natura Impact Statement? Yes.  Enclosed.  (See Volume 5 of the application documentation)

Does the proposed development require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement?  Yes.  Enclosed. (See Volume 3 of the application documentation) 

Do you consider that the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment in a transboundary state? Yes 

The proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the  environment of an area of a Member State of the European Union (i.e. Northern Ireland).  

  16. Services

Proposed Source of Water   

Temporary Material Storage Yard: 

Other (please specify):  If potable / drinking water is required, it will be brought to the site in tanks.

Proposed Wastewater Management / Treatment:    

Temporary Material Storage Yard: 

Other on site treatment system: [  ✓ ] Please Specify:  Portaloos

Proposed Surface Water Disposal: 

Temporary Material Storage Yard: 

Public Sewer / Drain:[   ]  Soakpit:[   ] Watercourse: [   ] Other: [ ✓  ] Please specify:

Settlement pond & grass swale

17. Notices

Details of public newspaper notice – paper(s) and date of publication

The public notice was published in the following newspapers:

Irish Times published  Tuesday 2nd June 2015 (Notice in English)

Irish Independent published  Tuesday 2nd June 2015 (Notice in English)

An Seachtain insert of the Irish Independent published  Wednesday 3rd  June 2015 (Notice in Irish) 

Meath Chronicle published on Wednesday 3rd June 2015 but dated Saturday 6th June 2015  (Notice in English)

The Northern Standard published and dated Thursday  4th June 2015 (Notice in English)

The Anglo Celt published on Wednesday 3rd June 2015 but dated Thursday 4th June (Notice in English)

Copy of page(s) of relevant newspaper enclosed Yes: [✓ ]   No:[  ]

Refer to Schedule 3 attached to this Application Form.

Details of site notice, if any, – location and date of erection

The approximate locations of the site notices are as follows:

County Monaghan (near the jurisdictional border with Northern Ireland, in the townland of Lemgare, County Monaghan): Irish Grid Coordinates: E 279779, N 328349  ITM Coordinates: E 679704, N 828355

Temporary Construction Material Storage Yard  (at the junction of the  L4700 Local Road and the link road to the N2 in the townland of Monaltyduff, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan):  Irish Grid Coordinates: E 286083, N 302232

ITM Coordinates E 686015, N 802243

Details of other forms of public notification, if appropriate e.g. website  The application may be viewed on the following website: http://www.eirgridnorthsouthinterconnector.ie.

Other forms of public notification include: mass mailing to project stakeholders, including landowners, which includes the PCI Public Information Leaflet and a Community Update Brochure; and local print and radio activity to promote the opening hours of the Project Information Centres.

18. Pre-application Consultation:

Date(s) of statutory pre-application consultations  with An Bord Pleanála 

2nd December 2010

31st July 2013

15th October 2013

18th December 2013

23rd December 2013

Schedule of any other pre application consultations –name of person/body and date of consultation to be provided as appropriate and also details of any general public consultations  i.e. methods, dates, venues etc. This can  be submitted as a separate schedule with the application form.  

Enclosed:  See Schedule 5 attached to this Application Form.

Also see Volume 2B of the application documentation (Public and Landowner Consultation Report) and Chapter 3 of Volume 3B the EIS.

Yes:  [✓]  No:[    ]

Schedule of prescribed bodies to whom notification of the making of the application has been sent and a sample copy of such notification.

Enclosed: See Schedule 6 attached to this Application Form which identifies the Prescribed Authorities notified of the making of the application and copies of the letters notifying them of the making of the application.

Yes:  [✓ ]  No:[    ]

19. Application Fee.

Fee Payable €100,000

I hereby declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information given in this form is correct and accurate and that the application documents being deposited at the planning authority offices, and any other location specified by the Board in pre application consultations, including a website (if any) will be identical to the application documents being deposited with the Board. 

Signed:  Aidan Geoghegan,  EirGrid Project Manager Date: 9th June 2015