ORAL HEARING IN MARCH ON INTERCONNECTOR

22/01/2016 by borderroamer

Electricity Pylons beside a SONI/NIE sub-station in County Antrim Photo: Michael Fisher

The controversial plan by EirGrid for a North/South high voltage 400 kV electricity interconnector with overhead lines on 400 pylons from Meath to Tyrone is to be the subject of an oral hearing by two inspectors from An Bord Pleanála in early March.

Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne confirmed that the Board is set to begin public hearing sessions from next March. The hearing is likely to be held over a twelve weeks period in Carrickmacross, where a previous oral hearing took place in May 2010.

Senator Byrne is one of a number of public representatives who are strongly opposed to the project. He says he will be making a submission to the hearing to outline the serious concerns that residents in Meath have regarding the proposals.

“I’ve long held the view that this project is unworkable. There needs to be community consensus for the project and a far greater emphasis needs to be placed on upgrading existing infrastructure alongside ensuring that the new transmission line is placed underground,” said Senator Byrne.

“People in Meath feel that their concerns have not been taken on board by those pushing this project. They are not being treated equally as the development of new transmission lines in other parts of the country are proceeding with the lines being placed underground. However Meath residents are being told that the North South Interconnector has to be developed over ground. It’s unacceptable.

“Meath residents now have their chance to make their voices heard in relation to these proposals. I’ve been informed by An Bord Pleanála that the public hearing for the project will begin in March. I’ll be making a strong submission outlining why I think the proposals have to be cast aside. I encourage others with similar concerns to make a submission during the public hearings.

“In Fianna Fáil’s energy policy launched this year, we outlined that grid development such as planned under the North South Interconnector should be subject to a full economic review in light of our reduced energy needs. Fianna Fáil maintains that undergrounding the North – South Connector is the most preferential route along with upgrading existing infrastructure and this will form a key part of my submission,” concluded Senator Byrne.

Nigel Hillis of the County Monaghan anti-pylon committee said the fact the oral hearing is to take place has to be welcomed. He said a number of parties would be making a formal oral submission at the hearing. Formal notice of the hearing, including the agenda and the details of venue will be sent to all parties approximately two weeks in advance of the announcement.

In a letter to the 900 interested parties including individuals who made submissions (with a fee of €50) to the planning application submitted by EirGrid in June last year, An Bord Pleanála said that owing to the scale and complexity of the case, and the large number of written submissions received, parties are requested to indicate their intention to make a formal oral submission at the hearing, before 5.30pm on February the 4th.

Eirgrid Statement

“We welcome An Bord Pleanála’s decision to convene an oral hearing and note that it is likely to commence in early March. Each aspect of this process is managed by An Bord Pleanála. We await further detail from An Board Pleanála with regard to the upcoming oral hearing. Our offices in Carrickmacross, Cootehill and Navan will continue to be open in the coming weeks for anyone who has queries about our application.”

EirGrid’s plans to build the overhead 400kV power line from Woodland in County Meath through parts of Cavan, Monaghan and Armagh to Turleenan near Dungannon in County Tyrone were lodged in June 2015. Observations had to be lodged with the planning authority in Dublin by 5.30pm on Monday 24^th August. Over 900 submissions were received and because groups of people got together to lodge a single submission, the names of over 1500 were submitted, most of them opposing the plan and calling for it to be put underground.

Monaghan County Council was one of the prescribed bodies notified of the application.The planning department made a submission to the Board including comments made about the project by Councillors at a meeting. Cavan County Council and Meath County Council were also notified and the Cathaoirligh of each of the three councils including Councillor Noel Keelan of Monaghan have joined together to oppose the plans.

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys T.D. was notified along with her Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Alex White T.D. The Environmental Protection Agency, National Roads Authority, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Fáilte Ireland, An Taisce, The Heritage Council, Irish Aviation Authority, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Health Service Executive, Commission for Energy Regulation, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, Railway Safety Commission, Northern and Western Regional Assembly, Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly and Irish Water were informed of EirGrid’s plans and given the opportunity to make submissions. Additional notifications were made to Birdwatch Ireland, Irish Peatland Conservation Council, and the North’s Environment Department.

According to the Bord Pleanála website, submissions were received initially from Dominic Halligan T.D. (Meath East, Labour), members of Meath County Council; Michael Halpin; Meath Farm Machinery, Navan; Sean Byrne; Cyril Darcy and family, Robinstown, Kells, Co. Meath; Noel Meade; Eugene Connolly; Fred Smyth; Navan Municipal District Councillors of Meath County Council; Scoil Bláithín Íosa, Ballynagearn N.S., Magheracloone and separately, All Saints National School Doohamlet and Doohamlet Childcare Ltd.; Patricia and Coleman Ryan; Hugh and Bernadette Duffy; Eamonn McNally; Irish Water; Kingscourt Stars GAA Club; Philip Smith; Michael Coleman; Fr Brendan Madden; Meath Cllr Ronan McKenna, Trim (FF); Meath Cllr Damien O’Reilly, Ratoath (FF); Meath Cllr Claire O’Driscoll, Ashbourne (FF); Brendan Doyle and Barbara Doyle; Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly; North and Western Regional Assembly; David Murray; Eugene and Rosemary Cunningham Corlea, Kingscourt; Meath Co Cllr Shane Cassells, Navan (FF).

The North East Pylon Pressure Campaign said it would continue to provide support to all individuals, groups and organisations willing to make a submission and has been working closely with 97% of landowners who are in complete opposition to the planning application and who favour undergrounding.

When EirGrid made its submission in June to An Bord Pleanála, it contained detailed plans to erect over 400 giant pylons along the route of the interconnector. NEPPC says communities across the North-East are being discriminated against by Eirgrid and by the government because there is no underground option under consideration, unlike the Grid West and Grid Link projects. It says Eirgrid has changed nothing of any material relevance since 2007, when the project was first announced..

The grid operator for its part says an additional high capacity North-South interconnector will provide multiple technical and other benefits. These include improving competition by reducing the constraints that are currently restricting the efficient performance of the all-island Single Electricity Market; improving security of supply and supporting the development of renewable power generation by enhancing the flexible exchange of power flows over a large area of the island. It says these benefits will accrue to all electricity consumers on the island of Ireland.

EirGrid has stated that the proposed interconnector will also provide sufficient additional transmission capacity in the North East area of Ireland to cater for growth in electricity consumption for many years and will also put the area in a good position if an even stronger economic recovery should emerge in the coming years.

The new interconnector will increase the capacity, and the reliability, of interconnection between the two networks. This will allow the two independent networks to operate together as if they were one system for the mutual benefit of residents and businesses in both jurisdictions.The increase in interconnection capacity will effectively eliminate current restrictions in cross border support in the event of a shortage of electricity in one jurisdiction, thus enhancing the security of electricity supply throughout the island of Ireland.

Operating the two networks as if they were one system will bring cost savings for all electricity consumers as larger electricity systems can be operated more efficiently than smaller ones. The increase in interconnection capacity will also facilitate further and greater connection of wind generation in both parts of the island which will help achieve Ireland’s renewable energy targets.

EirGrid’s counterpart in the North, SONI, also believes that the new link is vital to ensure the effective operation of an efficient all-island electricity market, to support the realisation of strategic renewable energy targets and to exert downward pressure on electricity prices for customers in Northern Ireland. It will allow the all-island wholesale electricity market to work more efficiently, enabling wider competition between power generators and electricity suppliers throughout the island, and therefore ensuring that future electricity prices will be as competitive as possible. It will enable more renewable generator capacity (mostly wind generation) to be connected to the electricity network. The governments in both jurisdictions have set challenging targets for the amount of electricity to be generated from renewable sources, 40% by 2020, and these targets cannot be met without additional interconnection.

INTERCONNECTOR OBJECTIONS

30/06/2015 by borderroamer

Checking the details of the EirGrid N/S Interconnector plan at the information meeting in Aughnamullen Photo: © Michael Fisher

ANGER EXPRESSED BY LANDOWNERS IN MONAGHAN OVER EIRGRID APPLICATION FOR N/S INTERCONNECTOR

Michael Fisher Northern Standard Thursday 25th June

Landowners in South Monaghan whose farms and property are along the route of the proposed EirGrid North/South electricity interconnector say it would ruin their livelihoods for generations to come and would cause the biggest destruction ever seen in Ireland. Many of them came to Aughnamullen social centre on Monday night to see for themselves the full extend of the EirGrid plans which were submitted earlier this month to An Bord Pleanála. The County Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee had obtained a hard copy of the application and large folders were spread out over a long table with maps showing the route of the proposed overground line, including the section close to Lough Egish.

EirGrid and its northern counterpart plan to construct 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. 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

There is now a ten weeks period of statutory public consultation, running until Monday August 24th.

The Secretary of the Anti-Pylon Committee Mary Marron said they had organised three meetings in Aughnamullen, Cremartin and Corduff during the week to enable landowners to see exactly how their properties would be affected. They were also able to advise them about making submissions to An Bord Pleanála and what they needed to concentrate on. The committee will be taking its own legal advice on the application, she said.

EirGrid documentation about the N/S Interconnector Photo: © Michael Fisher

The maps on the table set out how pylons would be erected in townlands such as Cornasassonagh and Corrinenty. Landowners continued to question why they were being treated as second-class citizens, because the underground option was being considered for two other major electricity supply projects. They claimed the project would devalue their land. They felt that the plans to erect pylons would turn their land into construction sites and questioned the methods EirGrid would use for accessing their property.

LOCAL POLITICIANS OPPOSE EIRGRID PLANS

Monaghan County Council has set up a sub-committee to discuss the interconnector application. It will meet in Castleblayney on July 13th and draw up a response. The Ballybay Clones Municipal District will also be making a submission objecting to EirGrid’s North/South Interconnector project.

COUNCILLOR SEAMUS COYLE

Fianna Fáil Councillor Seamus Coyle, a farmer from Latton, said the EirGrid proposals were totally unacceptable to local landowners. He claimed that the company had not gone out onto the ground and looked at the situation for individual farmers regarding access to their property for the construction work on the pylons. He said the project was contrary to the Monaghan County Council development plan 2013-19 and the sustainable development of the county. He told the Northern Standard it was important that councillors supported the concerns of local people in relation to this project. He claimed the local access roads needed for EirGrid construction work would be totally unfit for purpose in areas such as Corduff and Raferagh. He claimed that the electricity transmission company had not gone out onto the ground to inspect properties that would be affected, but had done an aerial survey instead. This was in contrast to the approach adopted by SONI in the North, where engineers had walked almost 97% of the planned route. He claimed EirGrid had not taken into account the implications for fauna and wildlife in the countryside as well as heritage spots such as ancient burial grounds.

EirGrid documentation about the N/S Interconnector Photo: © Michael Fisher

MATT CARTHY MEP

Sinn Féin MEP for the Midlands North West Matt Carthy called on the public to engage with the consultation process and to outline their concerns. He said:

“Unfortunately, due to the Strategic Infrastructure Act enacted by the Fianna Fáil government with the support of Fine Gael, the planning process for the North/South Interconnector is, in my view, flawed. However, that should not prevent interested individuals and communities engaging with the public consultation process during which time the public may provide submissions and observations to An Bord Pléanala. The consultation closes at 5.30pm on Monday 24th August.”

Mr Carthy said Sinn Féin representatives had been working closely with all those groups and communities in Counties Monaghan, Armagh, Cavan, Tyrone and Meath who have been engaged in a campaign since 2007 against the EirGrid and NIE/SONI plans to impose 400kv overhead power lines and associated pylons on their landscapes.

“The concerns are very real; there are genuine worries for health, our environment, the landscape, the economic development of the areas concerned. The communities concerned have made their position crystal clear: the North/South Interconnector can only proceed on the basis that it is undergrounded. Sinn Féin fully supports that position and we will be preparing our own submission to An Bord Pléanala on this issue”.

“This project, despite 97% landowner opposition, is the only EirGrid project that remains unchanged since 2009 following its exclusion from the EirGrid national review. Report after report, including one published by the government appointed International expert commission have clearly proved that undergrounding of the power lines is both possible and feasible. Indeed, many argue that in the medium to long term, undergrounding is economically beneficial. I am calling on the public to take this opportunity to outline their position on this project and ensure that their voice is heard”, the MEP said.

€5000 CHARGE FOR HARD COPY OF EIRGRID APPLICATION

Matt Carthy was also critical of EirGrid for charging members of the North East Pylon Pressure Campaign (NEPPC) €5000 for each hard copy of the planning application. The group had requested four copies of the application for their members and had also asked EirGrid to provide a hard copy to each landowner affected by the application.

Commenting on the correspondence between the NEPPC and EirGrid officials, the MEP said:

“It is completely outrageous that a full hard copy of this planning application costs €5000. I agree with the members of the North East Pylon Pressure Campaign that the astronomical costs involved in obtaining a copy of this application will put it out of the reach of many in the community affected by the proposed pylons.”

“The message from the local communities could not be clearer – they do not want overhead pylons blighting some of the most historical landscapes of this country and presenting a real danger to their communities. This is another slap in the face to the community who have had to listen to PR exercise after PR exercise from EirGrid stating their full commitment to engage with local communities on the proposed pylons.”

Mr Carthy went on: “While I acknowledge that soft copies of the application are provided on CD, many people need access to a hard copy for various reasons and it would be expected at the least that the landowners affected could receive a copy of the application. EirGrid cannot expect to be to be taken seriously on its claims of extensive public consultation while communities are effectively excluded from the planning process and I am calling on the company to make the application more readily available.”

Sean Conlan T.D. Photo: © Michael Fisher

SEAN CONLAN T.D.

The Fine Gael T.D. Sean Conlan attended the information evening at Aughnamullen. He said the County Monaghan Anti Pylon Committee deserved great credit for the effort they have put into organising the series of meetings this week to explain to the landowners affected in detail exactly what Eirgrid proposed to do on their land. He strongly encouraged anyone who wanted to find out further information in respect of the proposed route and how it affected their property and their community and who wished to obtain advice in relation to submitting a submission to An Bord Pleanála to contact the committee.

Deputy Conlan said: “The resilience and collective objection of the community as a whole to this application is paramount in trying to achieve our ultimate goal of having this project undergrounded. It is very important that the community continues to stand together to object to this new application by EirGrid to overground the North/South interconnector. By standing together as one the community stands the best chance of defeating EirGrid in their endeavours to put this project overground. It is very clear to me that the communities affected are more determined than ever that EirGrid are defeated.”

“I am available at any time to provide any advice or any assistance I can to members of the community and landowners who wish to make submissions detailing their concerns about EirGrid’s application and how it affects them, their families, their farms and their community. I want to reassure everybody in all the communities affected that I remain fully opposed to the overgrounding of this project by EirGrid. I will be making my own submission to An Bord Pleanála opposing EirGrid’s application to put the interconnector overground.”

COUNCILLOR EUGENE BANNIGAN

Fine Gael Councillor Eugene Bannigan also attended the information evenings. He told the Northern Standard: “Over the last number of weeks EirGrid have published their plans for a new application to an Bord Pleanála where they are looking to build 401 new pylons over five counties. However EirGrid have not walked the full route so they don’t know what damage they could do to wildlife and protected species in the surrounding areas.”

Councillor Bannigan went on: “The recent launch of new farming schemes shows certain requirements are needed in order to be granted acceptance to the scheme, and this means land will be let go wild for Gaming and Wild Bird cover. So if a farmer on the grid is planning to let some of their crops go wild in order to meet these certain requirements, then the Department of Agriculture must help out, and if several farmers along the grid do this then it can slow up the process with An Bord Pleanála, and on the other hand you have the Department for Energy trying to let this interconnector grid go up. It doesn’t make sense as on one hand the government is trying to help farmers and this means let land go wild, and on the other hand, the government is trying to let EirGrid go ahead. So it’s the government versus the government.”

Brendan Smith T.D.

BRENDAN SMITH TD

Fianna Fáil T.D. for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has criticised the Communications Minister Alex White for refusing to consider a motion by Monaghan County Council calling for the cessation of work on the North/South Interconnector so that the project could be undergrounded. The motion came on foot of comments made by EirGrid’s Chief Executive during a meeting of the Oireachtas Communications Committee, when he admitted that the undergrounding of the lines was technically feasible.

Deputy Smith commented, “I am extremely disappointed by Minister Alex White’s stance on this issue.  Despite submitting a range of Parliamentary Questions raising concerns about the fact that the underground option was not being considered, he failed to give any straight answers, choosing to evade the specific questions.

“The North-South interconnector is an extremely contentious issue here on the border. People have grave concerns about the fact that the Government appears to be content to press ahead with the overhead lines option, without giving due consideration to the possibility of undergrounding them.  This is despite the fact that the head of EirGrid told the Oireachtas Communications Committee that it is technically feasible to put the lines underground.

“It is extremely unfair that the Government is continuing to refuse a review of the North-South interconnector plans, especially in light of the fact that the other two Grid Link projects are being reconsidered.  People here feel as if they are being ignored by this Government, which is refusing to take their concerns on board, and is now even refusing to give credible answers to Parliamentary Questions, and has now effectively passed the buck back to Eirgrid.

“I am very disappointed with the Minister’s evasive and hands-off approach to this issue.  There has been a substantial reduction in the potential cost of the undergrounding project, yet Minister White is refusing to reconsider.  This is not good enough and the people of Cavan and Monaghan will simply not accept it. I will be continuing to put Minister White under pressure to review this project to ensure a safe and secure energy supply for people living on the border”, Deputy Smith concluded.

QUESTION: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the recent decision by EirGrid to submit a planning application for the North South Interconnector without consideration being given to the options of undergrounding this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Brendan Smith.

REPLY
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White)
In January 2014, an Independent Expert Panel (IEP) was established to oversee the integrity of the process being undertaken by EirGrid to report on comprehensive, route-specific studies of overhead and underground options for both the Grid Link (GL) and Grid West (GW) projects. While the North South Transmission Line project (N/S) is outside the IEP’s Terms of Reference, the IEP did agree, on foot of a request by my predecessor, to provide an opinion on the compatibility of the methodologies, to be employed on the GL and GW projects with what had already been done on the N/S project up to and including 2 May 2014, being the date that the IEP decided to examine the N/S project.

Having considered and discussed all of the material, the Panel issued a statement on 1 July 2014, indicating its unanimous opinion that, in all material respects, what had already been done on the N/S project is compatible with the methodologies being employed on the GW and GL projects.

On 27 March 2015 EirGrid published a new independently peer reviewed draft Strategy which allows for the achievement of an optimal balance between the competing demands of publicly consulting on necessary network development, choosing the best emerging technology options for that development, and minimising new build. The draft strategy found that there remains a clear need for the North South transmission line, and that the existing proposal for a 400kV overhead line remains the most appropriate solution for the project.

EIRGRID PLANS FOR N/S INTERCONNECTOR

19/06/2015 by borderroamer

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.)

EirGrid pylons in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

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.

EirGrid pylon in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

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.

EirGrid pylon on farmland at Ballykelly in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

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.

EirGrid pylon in County Louth Photo: © Michael Fisher

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)

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

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

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.

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

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:[ ✓ ]

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.

(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)

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

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

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.

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:[ ]

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

PYLONS CONTROVERSY

13/04/2015 by borderroamer

ANTI-PYLON GROUP STEPS UP CAMPAIGN AGAINST EIRGRID PLANS FOR ELECTRICITY INTERCONNECTOR
Michael Fisher

EirGrid substation at Ballykelly, Co. Louth near Inniskeen for North/South Interconnector Photo © Michael Fisher

A group representing landowners and householders opposed to EirGrid plans for an overhead North/South electricity connector that would be routed through south and mid Monaghan met last night to arrange a fresh campaign against the proposals. A public meeting has been organised by the County Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee to be held on Monday April 20^th at Aughnamullen Community Centre, Lough Egish. All of the county’s TDs and councillors are being invited to attend. Committee member Nigel Hillis told the Northern Standard their opposition to the plans was stronger than before.

Last week EirGrid’s Chief Executive Fintan Slye visited Carrickmacross as the company announced its new draft strategy for the future development of Ireland’s electricity transmission grid. It included updated plans for the North/South 400 kV Interconnection Development that would cross five counties from Meath to Tyrone.

EirGrid banner for North/South Interconnector Photo © Michael Fisher

EirGrid and its Northern counterpart SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) are jointly proposing a new high capacity electricity interconnector between the two networks. The draft strategy says there remains a clear need for the North/South Interconnector, and that the existing preference for a 400kV overhead line is still the most appropriate solution for the project.

The development would link a substation at Woodland, Batterstown in County Meath with a planned substation in Turleenan, in the Dungannon area of County Tyrone. EirGrid intends to submit a planning application for the North/South Interconnector in the coming weeks. Currently there is only a single interconnector, that runs past Ballykelly on the Carrickmacross to Dundalk road in County Louth (a few kilometers from Inniskeen) to Tandragee in County Armagh.

Shane Brennan of EirGrid (right) points out the route of the proposed interconnector Photo © Michael Fisher

At their public information office in Carrickmacross, SONI Eirgrid Project Manager Shane Brennan from Clontibret explained to me that the new interconnector would increase the capacity and reliability of interconnection between the two networks. It would allow the two independent networks to operate together as if they were one system, thus improving competition, and securing the electricity supply throughout the island of Ireland. EirGrid maintains that operating the two networks as if they were one system will bring cost savings for all electricity consumers as larger electricity systems can be operated more efficiently than smaller ones.

The increase in interconnection capacity will also facilitate the development of wind generation, which will help achieve Ireland’s renewable energy targets. Last November EirGrid submitted its draft application to An Bord Pleanála for review. The following month, An Bord informed EirGrid that it has reviewed the draft and that certain specified missing information was required to be submitted. Last month EirGrid sent in further information, as requested.

EirGrid pylon at Ballykelly, Co. Louth near Inniskeen Photo © Michael Fisher

Meanwhile EirGrid has re-published its proposed line route which will form the basis of an application for planning approval to be submitted to the planning authority in the coming months. This follows a review of the December 2013 line design. The review resulted in some of the proposed pylon locations being re-positioned along the proposed route, but the alignment itself was not changed.

Maps have now been made available showing the proposed route in County Monaghan. It takes in parts of Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, Magheracloone, Corduff/Raferagh then on to a controversial section around Lough Egish. The route continues to Drumhowan, Doohamlet, Annyalla and Clontibret where it skirts the battlefield site and then joins the Northern grid in County Armagh.

EirGrid has opened three project information offices, including one at the Workhouse in Carrickmacross where those with an interest can call in and meet the project team. The Carrick office on the Shercock Road is open on Mondays and Thursdays 12 noon – 6pm.

EirGrid information office Carrickmacross Photo © Michael Fisher

According to Fintan Slye of EirGrid, there remains a clear strategic need for a second north-south interconnector.
“We committed last year, to be open with people and find out what it is they want from this most critical of infrastructure. We are now asking people to give us their views on our draft strategy”, he said. Mr Slye concluded: “EirGrid must ensure the necessary grid is in place to ensure that Ireland remains competitive – fostering economic growth, attracting new investments, and supporting indigenous jobs. It must do this without placing too great a burden on communities, or too high a cost on industry. When we have received people’s feedback we will submit this draft to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for its consideration before publishing the final strategy later this year.”

The County Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee has been campaigning against the overhead route for the past seven years. It has argued that the lines should be placed underground. Nigel Hillis, an engineer, said the need for a new interconnector had not been identified by EirGrid and they had not persuaded people living in the affected area that it was needed. This was not the case with another major infrastructure development when the main N2 road was being improved with by-passes around Castleblayney and Carrickmacross.

He said there was still serious opposition to the plans. One of the main concerns from the start, he said, had been the scale of the project, because the size and topography of the small farms in the county had not been taken into account when the positioning of pylons was being worked out. He said EirGrid had not identified the need for having big pylons on top of hills, close to a farmyard or houses. (The company said the centre of the proposed high voltage line would be no nearer to a residence than 50 metres).

Mr Hillis questioned why EirGrid was suggesting that part of the proposed GridWest scheme (up to 30km) could be situated underground using trenches alongside roads. He claimed that people in Monaghan were being treated as second class citizens and said they wanted to be treated the same as others.

The Dáil Communications Committee chaired by John O’Mahony T.D. has invited EirGrid to appear before them in the coming weeks to answer questions about the North/South interconnector. Mr Hillis hopes his group will also be given a chance to put their views across as well. From the first day of their formation the committee had argued for an underground route and that was now feasible, he said, as this option was being considered for the other two major grid projects.

Eirgrid says there are technical issues with putting 400kV AC lines underground over long distances and there would be operational complexities. It maintains that underground cables for the North/South route would be too expensive and difficult to install. Local residents however think the cost to them, their livelihoods, their homes and to local tourism would be equally damaging.

Northern Standard Thursday April 9th p.31 with pictures by © Pat Byrne

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PYLONS CONTROVERSY

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