The Dublin Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte, has announced that the Irish Cabinet had agreed to his proposal to establish an international expert commission to review and report, within six months, on a case for, and cost of, undergrounding (all or part of) Meath-Tyrone 400KV power lines.

Minister Rabbitte said: "This decision implements a commitment in the Programme for Government. It will afford an opportunity for careful consideration of the issues at stake.

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"In the next few days I will finalise and announce the composition of the three person expert commission. I expect that the group will complete its work by October of this year," he said.

In preparing its report the commission will review expert literature already available both in Ireland and internationally in relation to undergrounding high voltage power lines and consider the route or routes proposed by EirGrid.

It will also examine the case for and cost of undergrounding all or part of the Meath-Tyrone 400KV line and consult with EirGrid, the North East Pylon Pressure Committee and the County Monaghan Anti Pylon Committee, and which ever other bodies or organisations it sees fit.

(BMcC)