Draft

Against More Pylons/Alternative Means of Power

ESB substation at Flagford in Co. Roscommon. ESB wants to build another at Ballysumaghan in Co. Sligo and connect the two with a 58 km line of 37 m (123') steel towers (pylons).

1. Introduction.

1.1 ESB issued proposals in May 2000 for building a 220,000 volt transmission lines from Flagford, Carrick on Shannon to Srananagh, East Sligo and from Portumna to Athenry in Galway. This is being welcomed as a sign of progress in the West. It appears to us that by persisting with 1970's solutions, little or no thought is being given to the medium and long-term consequences. These solutions are proving contentious and provoking unnecessary delays and expense in delivering a proper energy infrastructure.

1.2 The new lines would appear to have the support of the IDA, the BMW Region, the WDC, the IFA as well as local County and Town Councils. Many of these bodies have Development Plans of which 'future progress and development' form key elements. Indeed it is a part of the National Development Plan.

1.3 The ESB engaged in a consultation exercise with all interested parties before applying for planning permission. This was a departure from similar previous projects and was welcomed. However, the views of individuals, or small groups of individuals, directly affected by any such projects were ignored in the process. It was interpreted that they were against the "greater good". This is not the case and it behoves our elected representatives and other interested parties to argue the case on our behalf.

1.4 There is no disagreement about the need for the " continuous economic development in the Region". Neither is there any disputing the fact that there has been a significant growth in the need for more electricity which ESB must meet. This last argument has been advanced before. Indeed a secure electricity infrastructure is one of the key drivers in our economy.

1.5 It is argued by the ESB that to facilitate plans for future economic growth "it is essential that the necessary infrastructure of roads, water, telecommunications and electricity be put in place". At this point we disagree with current ESB thinking on the way forward and would submit that these short-term solutions, especially with electricity, will be detrimental to the medium and long -term economic growth of the Region.

2. Our Outline Case

2.1 We strongly believe that the opportunity now exists for the WDC, the BMW Region, the IDA and Local Councils to underpin medium and long term growth by taking a bold step to encourage a change in Grid policy for the West and perhaps even the whole Country. This would be a first step.

2.2 Rather than accept the same contentious, discredited solution to every new transmission need, we believe that locally, regionally and nationally, we should be looking at an innovative and economical implementation of widespread and effective demand led, decentralised, renewable energy supplies. The answers to this already exist.

2.3 We believe that there should be a considered appraisal or review of existing policies to ensure that there is no more wastage of Public Funds and that there is sustainable growth for the future. 'Sustainable' should be used as per the European Councils definition that 'development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. Structural funding is being reduced for Regional Development. It is more important than ever to get it right this time if we wish to encourage a sustained economic growth in our Region.
For example:- for the same cost that it will take to provide the Flagford to Srananagh line (¤ 57 m), 4 new low cost generating systems using Natural Gas from the Corrib Field, could be strategically placed across the Region to give more power to the whole area; and have enough left to 'export'. These Combined Heat and Power Units (CH Ps?) would be efficient and environmentally friendly and could be placed close to the Users
Another example is that for all the money being spent on this project, that includes publicity, compensation etc, two (2) underground lines could be put in place using either the N4 or the railway line for which a wayleave already exists.
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2.4 In the dash to get a grid structure in place before the proposed break up of ESB as a more saleable commodity, the 'Government Green Paper on Sustainable Energy' issued in September 1999, seems to have been ignored. The GP was put out as a consultation document and contained many elements that will affect the Region and indeed the whole Country within the next 5 and 10 year cycles.

2.5 The Association of Irish Energy Agencies (AIEA), of which ESB is on the Board of Management, produced a commentary in response to the GP ( December 1999). This report identified disturbing insights which could affect us all if we do not begin to take remedial action now. A further report, entitled 'Powering the BMW' was issued in September 2000. There are a number of issues to be addressed.

3. Kyoto Protocol.

3.1 The backdrop to this is the 'Kyoto Protocol' to which Ireland is a signatory. The Protocol is concerned with carbon emissions from a starting point in 1990. Each Country that has signed up to the Protocol has undertaken to reduce the amount of carbon emissions by designated amounts over specific periods. There are severe penalties for countries that do not comply with the Protocol. These are currently ¤ 70 plus per tonne.
Little attention was paid to this when we first identified it as an issue in 2000. However in the last 6 months it has taken on greater importance.

3.2 Ireland will need a reduction of 13% or 13.5 million tonnes to comply with the Protocol based on existing and projected usage. Non compliance will result in a fine of ¤1000 million for the Country at present day prices. Renewable energy electricity supply will form part of the emissions reduction in the Energy sector as this area is currently contributing 38% (15.5 Million tonnes) to total carbon emissions. The growth rate in this sector is expected to be 5 - 6% per annum.

3.3 At present Ireland is well above the guidelines and defaulting on the agreement. There is an imbalance in the Country that is clouding the issue. As an area, Connaught is well below the international guidelines while the East and South East of the Country are well above the guidelines. Connaught is therefore subsidising the rest of the country to help keep the numbers down even if they are still above the recommended levels.

3.4 Internationally, Countries trade on 'Carbon Credits' to comply with the Kyoto Protocol. In this scenario, Connaught would be an exporter of such credits similar to Denmark. While this imbalance continues the underlying problems of sustainable energy are not being addressed. There is also little chance of inward industrial investment to the Region and future sustainable growth. On a day when 114 much needed jobs were lost in Belmullet, 880 new jobs were announced for Arklow. We believe that the situation is not irreversible, providing we act now.

4. Planning and Development.

4.1 It is not our intention to create a divisive issue. We are being asked to get behind the National Development Plan and by implication the Regional and County Development Plans. However we believe that the whole future of energy management needs to be addressed and the addition of lines here and there to reinforce the National Grid are not the answer. They should not have been the answer since 1990. The problem is always going to be one of generation not transmission.

4.2 We are not helped in that we have no Senior Energy Minister or Commissioner to oversee this immediate concern. The matter is being addressed by a small group within the Dept. of Public Enterprise who are having difficulty having their voices heard. Meanwhile our largest supplier of power seems to be concentrating on wasting money on outdated and contentious solutions rather than embracing new technologies, of which they are well aware, and advising the State on the way forward.

4.3 We in the West rely heavily on Tourism and Agriculture and this was reinforced at the Forum of Western Ministers on 19th July 2000. What kind of message does it send out if we continue to authorise piecemeal development and add to the existing metal blight on the landscape. It is perhaps ironic that the lack of investment in the West has protected the area from the worst ravages of environmental degradation. Perhaps we can learn from the mistakes of others and embrace modern technologies. We believe that there should be an Integrated Planning Policy.
For example:- why as part of infrastructure can the NRA not do trenching work at the time of road construction to facilitate future telecommunications and power links?
Why can ESB not work with Eirnrod Eireann and use their existing wayleaves to underground cabling. It would help both companies. Our carefully nurtured and priceless green image is being seriously damaged at home and abroad by unsympathetic and indiscriminate planning decisions.

5 . Conclusion

5.1 We believe that the opportunity now exists to correct many of the past mistakes perpetrated in other parts of the Country and Internationally. We should not encourage a repetition or continuation of them. What we do today becomes part of tomorrow's history. The ESB have learned from past experience, hence the consultation process. They have experience and expertise. Unfortunately we consider that they have locked out the future as they have relied too heavily on the past for present day solutions. They should be asked to make the final step with us and be part of a vision for the West and perhaps the Country. Failure to do so will mean that others will be only too glad to do so.

5.2 We ask that there be a more considered approach to this apparent necessity in which all the options can be considered. This quick dash for growth and the need for immediate progress is making us blind to other considerations and future realities. It is leading to a profligate waste of Public Money. We are getting caught up in the mythology and publicity of a very short-term gain and ignoring a constructive and more beneficial approach for the future that could probably have a higher yield in the long term.

5.3 We will need to face the changing role of sustainable energy in the next 5 to 10 years. There are other issues allied to it that must also be addressed. These will require making the right economic and technology choices. At a time when we have the resources, we should be considering them now and putting the necessary structures in place to meet our future obligations. We should not be waiting for the axe to fall and then find that we are not in a position to pay off our executioner.

6. We Believe.

There is a need for continuous economic development in the West and North-West of Ireland and that this Development be planned and sustained; not a quick dash for immediate growth and the loss of future income.
There should be an immediate and proper review or appraisal of existing policies and the way forward involving all the interested parties.
That there be an Integrated Planning Policy linked to Development Plans, involving all infrastructural agencies, for the West and North-West - not piecemeal development.
That County Development Plans and Western Development Commission and Border, Midland and Western Region Development Strategies be honoured in full - not selected pieces.
The Planning Applications for this project should be postponed, as the EIS contains misinformation; has conflicting statements and shows a failure to address the underlying issues in a positive manner.
That power can be generated in the West, if it is needed in the West, and not rely on bulk transmissions from outside the area.
There should be a moratorium on ALL Grid reinforcement until the issues, particularly that of Health, have been resolved. We accept that this may not be within the scope of our Planning Authorities but it is within the scope of Government.
That the Precautionary Principle, enshrined in the Maastracht Treaty, should be adopted in the area of Health and Environmental issues.
That the Counties involved and the WDC/BMW Region position itself now as being the prime example of 'an area of best practice' for the future way forward.
That ESB and other Energy Agencies should join with the BMW Region, the WDC, County Councils and the People of the West in ensuring that our landscape remains uncluttered.