Sinn Féin is urging Ireland to start thinking more creatively when it comes to safeguarding its electricity supply for the future.

MEP Matt Carthy also confirmed he will host a delegation to the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday 05 and 06 September which will hear at first hand of the technological advances that will facilitate the North-South Interconnector to be undergrounded if the political will is forthcoming.

He said: "Campaigns groups involved will include those who voice the interests of citizens, such as the North East Pylon Pressure Campaign (NEPP) group, the County Monaghan Anti Pylon committee, and Safe Electricity for Armagh & Tyrone (SEAT), along with elected representatives and journalists.

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"It is entirely possible for the Interconnector to be underground in Ireland. This is what expert opinion across Europe is pointing to. It is what is happening with the Aachen-Liege (ALEGrO) Interconnector between Belgium and Germany.

"I will bring the delegation of Irish community representatives to the headquarters of Elia, the company coordinating the building of the ALEGrO Interconnector, where participants will receive a briefing on the undergrounding technology and the cross-border nature of the project.

"The following day, participants will visit the European Parliament, where they will attend a discussion where they will hear from experts in undergrounding technology for high-voltage power lines. They will also have an opportunity to discuss the issues of the North South Interconnector with representatives of the European Commission and the Irish government’s representatives in the EU.

"Ireland can and must start thinking more creatively when it comes to safeguarding our electricity supply for the future as well as the rights of people living in rural Ireland and indeed our tourist industry. "Undergrounding the North South Interconnector is the most practical, sensible and economically sound option."