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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

EirGrid project costs

Summary

Senator Mary Ann O’Brien welcomes revised EirGrid cost estimates but requests a post-Easter debate on the affected transmission projects.

I am eternally grateful. I wish to utter two quick sentences.

I welcome the announcement made by EirGrid on Friday. Is it not wonderful that when the people rise up and make their thoughts known, things happen? However, there are questions to be answered. The project to link Dunnstown, County Kildare with County Wexford was supposed to cost €500 million. Now, however, Californian and Russian involvement means that it will cost half that amount. I am seeking a debate after Easter with the relevant Minister on EirGrid's new findings, the north west and Dunnstown to Cork lines, the plans envisaged and the public consultation process that will take place. I do not know whether any Senator was in Buswells Hotel yesterday, but if there was, he or she will know that there is much to be contemplated and discussed in the context of the future of the country and its energy grid.

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