A report into the validity of underground, high-voltage power cables will be presented to the Irish government next June, it has been revealed.

International consultants have been commissioned to undertake a national study to assess health and safety factors, cost implications and environmental consequences of overhead power lines, versus an underground alternative.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan made the announcement today - amid estimates that underground cable runs cost around five times more than wires networked over pylons.

-- Advertisement --

Minister Ryan said: "The aim of the study is to provide further clarity and information on all of the issues in relation to underground cables and overhead lines,

"In so doing, we can help inform decisions on all current and future transmission line projects," he explained.

Locals living near the proposed north-south interconnector route, which stretches through Cavan, Monaghan, Tyrone and Meath, have raised concerns over the impact of overhead power lines.

A pressure group has already voiced opposition to further pylons and asked for the consideration of more underground networks.

North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) stated its case during the pre-planning consultations with state-owned EirGrid, which runs electricity transmission systems and the construction of power lines.

Consultancy firm Ecofys will also consider 500 submissions from the public as part of their report.

(PR/JM)