Eirgrid has been slammed for failing to consider alternatives to pylons along the North South Interconnector.

Cavan-Monaghan Deputy Brendan Smith has reacted angrily to plans published by Eirgrid which offer no alternative to high voltage overhead power-lines linking Meath and Tyrone.

Mr Smith said: "This is extremely disappointing news for the communities that have campaigned tirelessly for a safer alternative to constructing massive pylons on their doorsteps. Their concerns about impact on health, safety and the environment have been completely ignored.

-- Advertisement --

"It has become very clear that there was never any real intention to find safer alternatives to the massive pylon project planned for the North East. Under the new plans published, Eirgrid is proposing much better alternatives for its Grid Link project in the South East and its Grid West project. This includes moving much of the power lines underground in the West, which Eirgrid has said is made possible by advances in technology. Why is it that this region cannot also benefit from these technological advances?

"Very serious questions remain about how these overhead high voltage lines will impact on the health and safety of local communities and on the environment and tourism in the areas along the route."

(CD/MH)