Public set to have say on proposed Interconnector

A formal period of public consultation is beginning today (Tuesday) following the submission of Greenlink Interconnector Limited’s Foreshore Licence application to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) Foreshore Unit.

The licence application is for the marine component of the Greenlink interconnector project in Ireland out to the 12 nautical mile limit. There will be a separate planning application submitted for the onshore components of the project, which include the development of a converter station near the Great Island substation and an underground cable running from Baginbun Beach to the converter station.

Stakeholders can view the Foreshore Licence application, Environmental Impact Assessment Report and associated documents via the DHPLG’s Foreshore Unit website. Submissions and comments in relation to the proposal may be made in writing until January 8.

Rónán ÓhÓgartaigh, Development Manager for Greenlink in Ireland, said: ‘ This is a key milestone for the development of the project. It represents the culmination of a considerable amount of technical, environmental and commercial analysis to design a project of the highest quality and marks the launch of the project’s planning application process. We have taken great care to incorporate feedback from stakeholders and the findings of environmental and technical surveys to ensure that the proposed development is of the highest standard. We continue to encourage input from local residents, organisations and all stakeholders with an interest as we move the project forward and would encourage people to take part in the consultation being run by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.’

The Foreshore Licence application has been advertised this week and copies of all the planning documents are available to view on the Greenlink website: https:// www.greenlink.ie/foreshorelicenceapplicationireland.

The proposed Greenlink interconnector (“Greenlink”) will connect the electricity grids of Great Britain and Ireland. ‘It is one of Europe’s most important energy infrastructure projects and brings benefits on both sides of the Irish Sea for energy security, jobs and the cost-effective integration of low carbon energy.’

Procurement for the major construction contracts for the Greenlink Interconnector project is currently under way. The project is expected to have a three-year construction programme, offering local supply chain opportunities, before commissioning in 2023.

This Foreshore Licence Application covers consenting for the offshore marine aspect of the project in Ireland only. An application for the Marine Licence in Wales is being made concurrently, and planning applications for the onshore works in Ireland and Wales will be made separately in due course.

TEREASA Walsh (23), Ardnagh, Foulksmills, entered a plea of guilty through her solicitor as a motor insurance summons was considered at Gorey District Court.

The court was told that Ms Walsh described as a single mother of two had no cover in place as she drove in Enniscorthy on March 4.

Solicitor David Tarrant explained that his client was not present as she was on her way back to Ireland from a funeral in England.

Ms Walsh was fined €200 and banned from driving for two years.