ESB Networks has commenced work on a new substation and energy hub for Eirgrid in Coolnabac, Ratheniska, Co Laois. But it has allegedly failed to comply with planning conditions, possibly subjecting the semi-State company to fines of up to €12m, according to the Ratheniska, Timahoe, Spink Substation Action Group (RTS group).“It is our opinion, confirmed by our senior counsel, that this Eirgrid development has commenced illegally,” said a spokesperson for the RTS group, which is made up of farmers and the local community. “Laois County Council has now informed the directors of Eirgrid of the serious consequences of such actions. Minister Naughten, An Bord Pleanála and Laois County Council must now ensure that Eirgrid is held responsible, that all illegal works be removed.”
ESB Networks has commenced work on a new substation and energy hub for Eirgrid in Coolnabac, Ratheniska, Co Laois. But it has allegedly failed to comply with planning conditions, possibly subjecting the semi-State company to fines of up to €12m, according to the Ratheniska, Timahoe, Spink Substation Action Group (RTS group).
“It is our opinion, confirmed by our senior counsel, that this Eirgrid development has commenced illegally,” said a spokesperson for the RTS group, which is made up of farmers and the local community. “Laois County Council has now informed the directors of Eirgrid of the serious consequences of such actions. Minister Naughten, An Bord Pleanála and Laois County Council must now ensure that Eirgrid is held responsible, that all illegal works be removed.”
Eirgrid did not receive the necessary commencement notice from Laois County Council or notified agencies such as the HSA, the spokesperson added.
Warning
Laois County Council issued a warning letter to Eirgrid stating that if it is found to have broken the Planning and Development Act 2000, it could be liable to a fine of €12.7m or two years of imprisonment.
The concerns of the rural community centre on health, landscape and the environment, but most particularly that the construction is taking place at the location of a regionally important aquifer, which is the source of domestic water supply for up to 8,000 residents.
“Unfortunately, our worst fears have been realised,” the RTS group said. “These heavy construction works, drilling, excavation, pouring of concrete and infringement on to a vulnerable water table and domestic source is under way with scant regard to health and safety and the basic planning conditions set down.”
The group called on Minister Denis Naughten to ensure that planning laws are upheld.
Eirgrid response
An Bord Pleanála granted planning consent for the Laois-Kilkenny reinforcement project in April 2014. The €80m development includes a new 110/38kV substation at Ballyragget, Kilkenny, and a 400/110kV substation at Coolnabacky, Laois. There will be a 26km line connecting the two stations.
“As part of the approval, ESB Networks, as project developer, is required to agree certain details with the planning authority prior to the start of the development,” a statement from Eirgrid reads. “Unfortunately, ESB Networks commenced early site works in April 2017 on a site in Coolnabacky in Laois prior to the discharging of these conditions.”
Eirgrid told the Irish Farmers Journal that it is aware of the situation and has issued instructions for all works to cease until the planning conditions have been discharged.
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