Sinn Féin has described the approval of the construction of 299 pylons in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan as "devastating".

The party's TDs Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Peadar Tóibín said they are bringing the issue to the Dáil floor in the New Year.

Deputy Ó Caoláin said: "We are committed to continue with our opposition and are once again calling on the government and all parties and independent Dáil and Seanad representatives to join us in supporting the underground approach that already has the signalled support of many of those directly affected."

An Teachta Tóibín added: "While there is a real need to strengthen supply of electricity north and south, the decision not to construct this interconnector underground is disastrous.

"Residents of Meath will now be exposed to 45 meter high pylons some of which will be only 50 metres from people's homes, and the potential health risks associated with this exposure.

"Studies have proved the increase in carcinogens when in proximity to the electromagnetic fields from power lines. Indeed, the European Commission's SCENIHR found that 'the previous conclusion that ELF magnetic fields are a possible carcinogen, chiefly based on childhood leukaemia results, is still valid.'

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"There are additional concerns - families are terrified that they will be trapped living beside this industrial sized pylons unable to sell their houses due to a collapse in the price of their homes. Businesses in the county are also worried. Tourism, agriculture, and our blood stock sectors are all feel threatened by these over ground pylons.

"Eirgrid had stated originally that the cost of undergrounding the cable would be 25 times that of erecting overground pylons. This simply does not hold true. The Grid 25 review strategy document shows that the cost of undergrounding has reduced close to 1.5 times as compared to the cost of overhead lines."

Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East Thomas Byrne said: "People living in Meath have not been treated equally as the development of new transmission lines in other parts of the country are proceeding with the lines being placed underground. However Meath residents keep being told that the North South Interconnector has to be developed over ground. Why should different standards have to apply for the people of Meath?

"Eirgrid itself has admitted that the cost of laying the cables underground has been vastly reduced. The cost of placing them underground has fallen by 20 times the original cost down to 1.5 times that cost. Technology is also becoming more advanced over time and the costs of undergrounding will continue to fall.

"Eirgrid must focus its energy on advancing the project on the basis of placing the interconnector underground instead of going against the wishes of the local community at every opportunity. Belgium and Germany recently agreed a similar project between their two countries which will proceed with the transmission lines being placed underground. The same should happen with the North – South Interconnector."

(CD/LM)