Locals will still have say if Greenwire project deemed EU project of common interest

A spokeperson for Element Power's proposed Greenwire project has said that locals will still play a big part in its planning process even if it's deemed a European Project of Common Interest (PCI). The €8 billion Greenwire project proposes the development of 40 windfarms in Offaly, Laois, Westmeath, Meath and Kildare, with energy created by these windfarms supplied to the UK through cables installed under the Irish Sea. Element Power has made an application to the European Commission for phase two of the project to be considered as a PCI. The European Commission is to adopt a list of EU-wide projects of common interest no later than July 31, 2013, which will be reviewed and updated as necessary every two years. The projects, which are related to energy infrastructure, will be allocated the status of the highest national significance possible and will benefit from a fast track planning process. Speaking to the Offaly Independent a spokesperson for Element Power said it's phase two of the Greenwire project - cabling between Ireland and the UK - that has been put forward for consideration as a PCI. "Phase two of the project relates to a possible additional future use of any spare capacity on the Greenwire HVDC cables on the bed of the Irish Sea to enable trading between the UK and Irish domestic electricity markets," the spokesman said. "The issue of locating wind turbines in the Midlands (phase one) is in no way related to this application for PCI status," he added. "Irish planning authorities will alone make a decision regarding Greenwire once final sites have been selected which is still some time away. Once these sites have been selected, Element Power will begin active community consultation in the Midlands. Ireland has one of the most rigorous planning processes in the world with applications having to meet stringent planning and environmental requirements with a well-established structure for community engagement and input." Already two years of planning work has gone into the Greenwire project according to the spokesman, while a planning application is not expected to be made for another year. "The company has met with the local authorities of the five midland counties and ecological studies have begun around identified sites which may or may not be suitable for the project," the spokesman said, adding that the company is also in ongoing discussions with An Bord Pleanála with a view to confirming the project as a strategic infrastructure development.