Chapter 9
Environmental Infrastructure
Issues / Recommendations / Observations
Sub. No.
Chief Executive’s Response & Recommendation
Submission states that the electricity transmission grid’s importance in supporting our society and economy cannot be understated. It notes and welcomes reference and emphasis placed on electricity transmission in the Draft Development Plan, particularly Chapter 9 which details energy. This emphasis is imperative to meeting national targets for renewable electricity generation, climate change and also ensuring security of energy supplies into the future. In relation to the specific Objective 9.13, EirGrid understands the principle underlying it and will always examine the feasibility for undergrounding. However, it is not always possible for high voltage transmission infrastructure to be located underground, even in urban areas, for a variety of reasons. A flexible approach in developing essential transmission grid infrastructure is required to support wider environmental, social and economic development. EirGrid carefully plans its routes and sites for new transmission grid infrastructure. The final route for any line is a carefully considered balance of technical, economic, planning, environmental considerations. Where it is not possible to use underground technology or avoid natural features of the environment and areas of significant population EirGrid will always explain this as part of its substantive reasons for the route design.
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Cork City Council welcomes the submission and its support for the Development Plan objectives. It is acknowledged that it may not always be possible for high voltage transmission infrastructure to be located underground and this will be clarified in Objective 9.13 Undergrounding of Cables. Recommendation: Amend Objective 9.13 Undergrounding of Cables as follows: Objective 9.13 Undergrounding of Cables The Council will encourage the undergrounding of cables and associated equipment where feasible and generally require such services be located underground as part of new developments. It is acknowledged that this may not always be possible for high voltage transmission infrastructure. Proposals should demonstrate that environmental impacts including the following are minimised: • Habitat loss as a result of removal of field boundaries and hedgerows (right of way preparation) followed by topsoil stripping (to ensure machinery does not destroy soil structure and drainage properties); • Short to medium term impacts on the landscape where, for example, hedgerows are encountered;
Impacts on underground archaeology;
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• Impacts on soil structure and drainage; and
• Impacts on surface waters as a result of sedimentation.
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