APPENDIX A Approach to the Development of Electricity Transmission Lines Approach to the Development of Electricity Transmission Lines Approach to the Development of Electricity Transmission Infrastructure What is EirGrid? Over the next 15 to 20 years, there will be major improvements and enhancements to the grid. This is EirGrid is a state-owned company that is being driven by a number of factors, including responsible for operating and developing the electricity transmission grid in Ireland for the • Harnessing of wind and other renewable energy benefit of electricity consumers. sources • Increasing competition in the electricity It is putting in place the grid infrastructure market required to support competition in the supply of electricity, to assist economic growth and to • Reinforcing the grid to meet future demand meet Government targets for the generation of • Further interconnection to UK and European grids renewable energy. Grid25 The Grid Grid25 is EirGrid’s strategic response to these The transmission grid refers to the network of challenges. higher-voltage electricity infrastructure on the It is a strategy that involves significant improvement island, comprising overhead lines, underground to, and reinforcement of, the electricity grid. cables and substations. Over the course of the programme, approximately The grid provides the vital link between generators €3.2 billion will be invested in the planning of electricity and its users, ensuring that adequate and development of a broad range of electricity electricity is provided to power homes, farms and transmission projects throughout the country. industry. A grid that is safe, secure, reliable and economical Approach to Developing Large is a key factor in Ireland’s ability to attract and Transmission Projects retain jobs. The purpose of this document is to provide Further development and reinforcement of the information as to how we progress our large-scale grid is required to ensure that all enterprises, transmission infrastructure projects over a number from large corporations to small businesses, of key stages - through the public planning process, continue to provide jobs in Ireland. to construction and eventual operation. www.eirgrid.com 1 There are opportunities for engaging with EirGrid We seek to engage with a wide range of throughout these stages, helping inform decisions stakeholders, including with regard to the nature, extent and location of • Landowners our projects. 12345• Local Communities and the General Public While this overview is intended to give general • Business Organisations guidance to our stakeholders in relation to the • Statutory Bodies development of transmission projects, it must • Public Representatives be understood that all projects are different and there is no “one size fits all” process. Central to this is ensuring that stakeholders are included in the ongoing development of such As such, while we always seek to develop large- projects. scale projects in line with this approach, in some instances, because of the nature and size of the We have identified five key stages of project project, there may be a requirement to deviate development - four of which are undertaken prior from this process. In such circumstances we will to the lodgement of an application for statutory explain the reasons for any deviation. consent. However, our structured framework ensures that Wayleaving and construction of the grid planning, environmental and community issues are infrastructure, if consented, is undertaken during identified and addressed from the earliest stage, the fifth stage. helping EirGrid make fully-informed decisions Consultation and engagement are significant during the development of a project. elements of EirGrid’s project development framework. Through all stages of the process, Project Development & we endeavour to keep the public, and other Consultation stakeholders, informed about the project, For our larger projects, EirGrid seeks to follow a providing opportunities for input and feedback. structured framework of project development that The need for the project is kept under review provides a clear and transparent process to all throughout its progression towards the statutory stakeholders. consent process. 2 EirGrid’s Project Development Roadmap STAGE The Public’s Role in the Following submission of a planning application ? for a proposed development, the public will be Development of Projects provided with an opportunity to make a formal The public is an important stakeholder in our written submission to the decision-making projects and can play a crucial role from the authority – normally An Bord Pleanála. earliest stages of project development, for For some projects, a public Oral Hearing will be example by making us aware of local constraints held by An Bord Pleanála, which allows a further that may affect the siting or routeing of a project. opportunity for issues to be voiced and addressed. EirGrid always considers this information and endeavours to avoid, limit or mitigate any EirGrid’s framework for project development impact on identified constraints. The final project and consultation is set out graphically on the proposal involves a careful balance between the opposite page. identified need for the project and technical, environmental, economic and social issues. • Stage One: Information Gathering EirGrid seeks to engage with people who may be affected by the12345 planned transmission • Stage Two: infrastructure - from the earliest stage of project Evaluate Options development through to project completion. • Stage Three: Engagement with stakeholders can take a variety Confirm Design of forms, such as open days, meetings and written • Stage Four: correspondence, depending on the nature and Prepare Planning Application extent of the project. • Stage Five: As the project develops up to submission Wayleaving and Construction of a planning application, the public, local communities, individuals, and others, will have regular opportunities to review and provide input into the issues and options we are considering. EirGrid’s Approach to the Development of Electricity Transmission Lines 3 Project Development & Consultation Roadmap STAGE STAGE STAGE STAGE STAGE 1 2 3 4 5 Information Evaluate Confirm Design Prepare Wayleaving Gathering Options Consideration of all Planning and Identify Project Consideration of all feedback from Stage 2 Application Construction Study Area feedback from Conduct environmental Complete reports and Preparation of Stage 1 Identify studies and surveys prepare planning construction plans application environmental & Identification of Confirmation of design other constraints EirGrid’s emerging Serve wayleave notice of line/site proposal Preparation of preferred option to landowners and including construction Environmental Impact Identify feasible (route corridor/site) methodology agree access for Statement (EIS) options construction or Environmental (corridor/sites) Identification of Ongoing engagement indicative line within Report as required Commence with landowners on corridor or site construction Publication of preferred line route Conclusion of boundary or site Stage 1 Report Pre-application Identify and meet Pre-application consultation with Pre-application landowners An Bord Pleanála consultation with consultation with of indicative line/site; An Bord Pleanála Submit application to An Bord Pleanála initial survey An Bord Pleanála Publication of Stage 2 Report Pre-application consultation with An Bord Pleanála Public 1Public 2 Public 3 Public 4Public Public and stakeholder Public and stakeholder Ongoing public Ongoing public Ongoing public consultation1 on study consultation2 on information3information4information5 area and constraints findings of Stage 2 Report Once application Evaluation of Public Public and stakeholder submitted, public can Consultation process consultation on make submissions findings of to An Bord Pleanála Stage 1 Report including at an oral hearing, if held 4 Stage One: Information Gathering STAGE STAGE STAGE STAGE STAGE Having identified the technical need for new or stakeholder comment and feedback on published enhanced grid infrastructure,1 EirGrid begins the documentation - regarding the identified2 study 3 4 5 process of gathering technical, environmental and area, the identified constraints therein and on other information regarding the project. identified potential corridor and site options. This stage does not involve making binding Stage One is the first real opportunity for public decisions regarding the detailed nature, extent input in respect of a project. It is extremely useful and location of the project, but simply gathering for the public to engage with, and provide local as much information as possible to ensure a knowledge to EirGrid at this early stage, where balanced and robust outcome later in the process. no decisions have been made, and where there is considerable scope to influence the ongoing The focus at this stage is primarily on gathering development of the project, by identifying what environmental, social, technical and other considerations should inform our judgements information to inform and shape the project. A broad study area is defined in which the Stage One Report project is likely to be located. Within this study A Stage One Report is prepared by EirGrid, which area, environmentally sensitive areas and other sets out the need for the project, identifies the constraints are identified and mapped; these broad study area, and