Planning permission has been approved for the construction of pylon supported high-voltage power lines as part of the north-south interconnector.

An Bord Pleanála gave the green light for Eirgrid to carry out the project, however Sinn Fein said the decision is "deeply disappointing".

MEP Matt Carthy said: "The communities affected have always felt that the planning process was considered a formality by EirGrid and they understood that it would be extremely difficult for them to win at this stage.

"Notwithstanding that, I want to commend them, and their representative organisations, for presenting a clear and compounding case against the current proposals.

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"The truth is that the project that was granted permission will not go ahead in its current form. Communities simply won't allow it.

"This permission allows counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath to be effectively cut in two by huge pylon supported high-voltage power lines. A separate proposal pertaining to counties Armagh and Tyrone is currently going through a planning process in the north.

"However, residents, including the owners of the land of the proposed developments, have made it crystal clear that they will not permit construction in their communities.

"They have proved that the alternative of under-grounding the route is a practical, feasible and affordable option that should be pursued. EirGrid have refused to ever give this alternative the consideration it deserves.

"It is now therefore imperative that the Government adopts a policy in favour of an underground route and instruct EirGrid to ensure that this is what happens."

(CD/LM)