National electricity grid operator EirGrid is set to pay the exchequer an annual dividend of €3m.

The public will have a chance to express its view on Ireland’s future power network after EirGrid asked for submissions on its new draft strategy.

Electricity grid operator EirGrid is to overhaul its consultation process on major infrastructure developments.

Eirgrid has said it will keep an open mind on the future of its Gridwest scheme after reopening the public consultation process to allow consideration of an underground option.

EirGrid has paid a maiden annual dividend of €4m to the Government on the back of seeing a 194% rise in profits last year and has expressed cautious optimism regarding progress on its contentious GridLink power plan.

A Government decision to examine the feasibility of putting two controversial powerlines underground has been described as an “election stunt” to appease backbenchers under pressure in their constituencies.

Living next to a pylon is “completely safe” and putting high-voltage lines underground would add some €2bn to the cost of upgrading the electricity network, it has been claimed.

The chairman designate of Eirgrid, the national power grid operator, has admitted that he would not like to live near electricity pylons.

Energy chiefs in Ireland and France are considering linking the two countries with a 600km cable to secure electricity supplies.

Eirgrid is planning a €1bn interconnector to France to be completed by 2025 as part of a plan to integrate Ireland into the wider European electric grid.

Electricity transmission company Eirgrid has announced plans for a second connection to the UK grid, as a €600m connection remains mired in technical difficulties.

Electricity generated by wind power will need to more than double over the next 10 years if the Government’s green energy targets are to be met.